Twenty Cent Piece Value
1875–1878 · 20¢ · 90% silver, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $100.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $175.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $300.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $1,200 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $3,600 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $18,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1876-CC | Only 10,000 struck at Carson City, most melted | $10,000–$100,000+ |
| 1875-CC | First year Carson City issue, 133,290 minted | $200–$3,000 |
| 1877 | Proof-only issue, approximately 510 struck | $2,000–$5,000 |
| 1878 | Proof-only final year, only 600 struck | $2,000–$5,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- William Barber
- Years
- 1875–1878
- Denomination
- 20¢
- Composition
- 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 22 mm
- Weight
- 5 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Twenty Cent Piece: History & Background
The Twenty Cent Piece is one of the shortest-lived denominations in US coinage history. Proposed by Senator John P. Jones of Nevada to benefit Western silver miners, the coin was too easily confused with the quarter dollar due to similar size and design. After just two years of business strikes (1875-1876), the final two years were proof-only issues. The coin's failure led to its rapid discontinuation, making the complete four-year set an interesting challenge for collectors.
How to Grade a Twenty Cent Piece
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →