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Apr 01, 2026 - 11:00 AM
We’ve provided several answers to questions related to $20 Liberty Double Eagle Gold Coin MS-65 (1850-1907) , see some other helpful Q&A related to this product.
Question: Why buy from Guidance Corporation?
Answer: We specialize in high-grade numismatics and have over 35 years of experience. We provide 100% authentic, expertly graded gold and are known for our personalized, family-owned service.
Question: How should I handle a slabbed coin?
Answer: The coin is protected inside the acrylic holder. You can handle the slab freely, but you should avoid scratching the plastic or exposing it to extreme heat or direct sunlight for long periods.
Question: Is this coin legal tender?
Answer: Technically, it remains legal tender for its $20 face value, but it is never used as such because its gold and collector value is worth thousands of dollars.
Question: Where were these coins minted?
Answer: They were minted at several locations, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), New Orleans (O), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D).
Question: Why do collectors prefer graded coins?
Answer: Grading provides a guarantee of authenticity and a standardized assessment of condition. The "slab" (plastic holder) also protects the coin from environmental damage and handling.
Question: What are the physical dimensions of the coin?
Answer: The $20 Liberty has a diameter of 34 mm and a weight of 33.436 grams.
Question: Is this a "Pre-1933" gold coin?
Answer: Yes. It is part of the historic gold coinage that was recalled by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 under Executive Order 6102.
Question: What are the three "types" of $20 Liberty coins?
Answer: Type 1 (1850–1866): No motto on the reverse. Type 2 (1866–1876): "In God We Trust" added above the eagle. Type 3 (1877–1907): "Twenty Dollars" spelled out (previously "Twenty D.").
Question: Why was this coin called a "Double Eagle"?
Answer: In the mid-19th century, the "Eagle" was the base unit for $10 gold coins. Because this coin was worth $20, it was officially designated as the "Double Eagle."
Question: Is this coin IRA-eligible?
Answer: No. While modern Gold Eagles are eligible, pre-1933 gold coins (like the $20 Liberty) generally do not meet the IRS purity standards for a Precious Metals IRA, unless they are specifically designated as collectibles.
Question: Are these "Varied Years"?
Answer: Yes. The date you receive will be between 1850 and 1907 based on our current inventory.
Question: What is on the reverse (back)?
Answer: The reverse features a Heraldic Eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows. This design was modeled after the Great Seal of the United States.
Question: What is featured on the obverse (front)?
Answer: The obverse shows a Greco-Roman inspired profile of Lady Liberty. She wears a "coronet" (small crown) inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." She is surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies.
Question: Who designed the $20 Liberty Double Eagle?
Answer: The coin was designed by James B. Longacre, who served as the fourth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint.
Question: Who is the grading service?
Answer: These coins are professionally graded and encapsulated by either PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), the two most respected third-party grading services in the world.
Question: What is the purity of the coin?
Answer: The coin is struck in .900 fine gold (90% gold and 10% copper). This "coin gold" alloy was used to make the currency durable enough for hand-to-hand circulation.
Question: How much gold is in a $20 Liberty Double Eagle?
Answer: Each coin contains exactly 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold.
Question: What is a $20 Liberty Double Eagle?
Answer: It is a historic U.S. gold coin minted between 1850 and 1907. It was the largest circulating gold coin in the United States, created following the massive influx of gold from the California Gold Rush.
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