The 20 dollar gold coin is an interesting item among numismatists and collectors of rare coins. It was first issued in the United States in 1849, and its value has only increased over time as its rarity has become more apparent. In fact, some of these coins can be worth tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on their condition and other factors.
If you’re interested in learning about the value of your own 20 dollar gold coin, this blog post will provide an overview to help you understand how to assess it accurately. We’ll discuss topics such as the history behind the coin, grading systems that are used to determine its value, common varieties available for sale today, and frequently asked questions for making sure you fully understand your 20 dollar gold coin.
Read on for all the details!
20 Dollar Gold Coin Details
There were two types of 20 dollar gold coins (also called Double Eagles) in American history. The first type was produced from 1849 to 1907 and is most commonly referred to as the Liberty Head or Coronet Double Eagle. The second type was issued between 1908 and 1933 and is known as the Saint-Gaudens design, after its creator Augustus Saint Gaudens. Both types of coins contain .9675 ounces of gold, making them an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
20 Dollar “Liberty Head” Gold Coin
- Category: 20 dollar coin
- Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, Denver
- Designer: James B. Longacre
- Edge: plain
- Diameter: 34 millimeters (1.34 inches)
- Thickness: 2 millimeters (0.079 inches)
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Weight: 33.44 grams
The Liberty Head 20 dollar gold coin is the first type of Double Eagle ever issued in the United States. It features a design created by James B. Longacre, depicting Lady Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left on the obverse side of the coin. The reverse displays a bald eagle with wings outstretched and holding arrows and an olive branch, as well as having a shield over his chest.
20 Dollar “Saint Gaudens” Gold Coin
- Category: 20 dollar coin
- Mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, West Point, Denver
- Designer: Augustus Saint Gaudens
- Edge: plain
- Diameter: 34 millimeters (1.34 inches)
- Thickness: 2 millimeters (0.079 inches)
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Weight: 33.44 grams
The Saint Gaudens design was created by Augustus Saint Gaudens and features a full-length figure of Lady Liberty on the obverse side, marching forward with the rising sun in the background. The reverse displays a majestic eagle in flight. This second type of Double Eagle is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced in American history and also one of the most valuable.
20 Dollar Gold Coin Values and Varieties
The value of 20 dollar gold coins can range widely depending on their grade, rarity, and other factors, but some can be worth extreme amounts of money. Generally speaking, the Liberty Head coins tend to carry a higher price tag than their Saint Gaudens counterparts due to their age and collectability, but really, both are extremely valuable.
When it comes to varieties, there are several types of both designs that have been issued over the years. Let’s look at a few of the most valuable and well known 20 dollar gold coins throughout history.
1849 “No Mint Mark” 20 Dollar Liberty Head Gold Coin
Acting as the pattern coin for the Liberty Double Eagles, this Philadelphia minted coin (there’s actually only one of them) is one of the rarest coins in the world. It is considered a Proof coin, which means it was made specifically for collectors and has never been circulated. A part of the Smithsonian Collection, this amazing one of a kind gold coin is worth over $18 million!
1856 “O” 20 Dollar Liberty Head Gold Coin
This New Orleans minted coin has an “O” mint mark on the bottom center of the reverse side, and it is one of the rarest coins from the Liberty Head Double Eagle collection. Clocking in at only 2,250 coins made at this US Mint location, it is truly unique and highly sought after by collectors.
It is estimated to be worth around $215,000 in “Good,” “Fine,” and “Very Fine” condition, and it only rises from there! In “Extremely Fine” condition, this coin is worth about $450,500 and in mint “Uncirculated” condition, it’s worth a whopping $1.1 million! Not bad for a 20 dollar coin!
1875 “No Mint Mark” 20 Dollar Liberty Head Gold Coin
Another Philadelphia minted example of the Liberty Double Eagle, this coin has no mint mark on it, and only 295,740 of these coins were produced – making it rarer than its counterparts.
This coin is worth around $2,131 in “Very Fine” condition, but as with all coins of such a high quality even slight variations in grade can drastically affect the price. In “Extremely Fine” condition, this coin is worth about $2,254 and in mint “Uncirculated” condition it’s worth around $2,319 and upwards of $7,000!
There is also a Proof coin for this “No Mint Mark” specimen. A beautifully pristine Proof coin from 1875 is worth an amazing $175,000!
1907 “No Mint Mark” Ultra High Relief 20 Dollar “Saint Gaudens” Gold Coin
This extremely rare coin was minted with no motto, “In God We Trust,” making it one of the most unique coins in United States history. It is also one of the most rare, at only 17 of them being produced. Additionally, it is unique because it features a high relief Liberty Head design.
It is estimated to be worth around $3.7 million in pristine condition!
1927 “D” 20 Dollar “Saint Gaudens” Gold Coin
Another Saint Gaudens Double Eagle, this Denver minted coin has a “D” mint mark on the bottom center of the reverse side. This is a rare coin, as only 180,000 of them were minted at this US Mint location in 1927.
As such, it is estimated to be worth around $756,000 in “Good,” “Fine,” and “Extremely Fine” condition, which is already amazing – but then in mint “Uncirculated” condition it’s worth a stunning $1.2 million all the way to $1.7 million!
1933 “No Mint Mark” 20 Dollar “Saint Gaudens” Gold Coin
And finally, the 1933 “No Mint Mark” 20 dollar “Saint Gaudens” Gold Coin is perhaps one of the most famous and valuable coins in the world. This coin has no mint mark on it, as it was produced at the Philadelphia US Mint, and only 445,500 of these coins were made.
It has a long and crazy history, because of being illegal to own up until the 1970’s due to a special law passed during the Great Depression. All of them were melted down except for about 20 coins that were stolen. These coins were secretly passed among collectors for a number of years, chased by the Secret Service, and one even barely escaped the World Trade Center two months before the 9-11 attack collapsed that building.
It is now one of the most coveted coins in the world and is estimated to be worth around $23 million!
Also Read: Top 21 Most Valuable 2000 P Sacagawea Dollar Coin Worth Money
20 Dollar Gold Coin History
The 20 dollar gold coin has a long and fascinating history. Its origin can be traced back to the 1790s when President Thomas Jefferson proposed the creation of a “double eagle” coin that would have a face value of twenty dollars. After much debate, Congress eventually elected to produce such coins in 1849, with James B. Longacre’s design for the obverse and a majestic eagle for the reverse.
The coin remained in production until 1907, when it was replaced with the Saint Gaudens design. This version of the 20 dollar gold coin was in production until 1933 when the U.S. government recalled all gold coins in circulation and stopped production due to the Great Depression. Since then, these coins have been highly sought after by collectors and investors, making them some of the most valuable coins in the world.
In recent years, 20 dollar gold coins have seen a resurgence in popularity as more and more people look to invest in gold. While the coins are no longer produced, they can still be found in the right circles, making them a great option for anyone looking to invest in gold.
20 Dollar Gold Coin Grading
When it comes to grading 20-dollar gold coins, the most important factor in determining its value is its condition. The coin’s grade, based on a professional analysis of its wear and tear, is used to assess how much it may be worth at any given time.
There are many grades that can be assigned to coins, mainly ranging from “Good” to “Fine” to “Extremely Fine” to “Uncirculated.” Generally speaking, higher grades equate to higher values.
Other factors that can affect the value of a 20 dollar gold coin include rarity, minting errors, mint marks, and whether the coin has been certified by a third-party grading service such as PCGS or NGC. Certain varieties of the coins may also carry more value than others due to their age, collectability, and overall desirability.
20 Dollar Gold Coin Errors
In addition to naturally occurring varieties, 20 dollar gold coins can also contain errors made during production. These errors can range from minor differences in the design of the coin to major misprints on the obverse and reverse sides. Collectors are always on the lookout for these rare errors, and they typically command a premium price when they are found.
Let’s look at a few famous ones that have surfaced!
1904 “No Mint Mark” 20 Dollar Liberty Head Gold Coin – Off Center Error
This rare error coin was created when the minting process went awry, leaving a portion of the coin stamped 15 percent off-center. This unique specimen is the most off center Double Eagle known to exist, is extremely sought after, and was given a value of $250,000.
1904 “No Mint Mark” 20 Dollar Liberty Head Gold Coin – Double Struck Error
This error coin is considered one of the rarest and most valuable in history. The double striking process resulted in a doubled design on the coin, which enhances its value. This particular piece had the doubling around the coin’s collar and it sold for a little over $17,000 at auction.
Frequently Asked Questions About 20 Dollar Gold Coins
Now that you know a bit more about 20 dollar gold coins, here are some of the most common questions asked about them.
Where Can I Find 20 Dollar Gold Coins?
You can find 20 dollar gold coins at most coin dealers, online auction and marketplace sites, as well as through private collectors. You may also be able to find them in your local area, so it’s worth checking out coin shows or other events.
Are 20 Dollar Gold Coins a Good Investment?
Yes, 20 dollar gold coins can be a great way to invest in precious metals and make some money along the way. It’s important to do your research and buy from reputable dealers though, as there are many counterfeit coins on the market. Additionally, remember that gold prices can fluctuate over time, so you should always keep an eye on them before investing.
Should I Clean My 20 Dollar Gold Coin?
No, you should not clean your 20 dollar gold coin, as this could damage the coin and reduce its value. In general, it’s best to leave coins in their natural state and let a professional handle any cleaning or restoration work that needs to be done.
Conclusion
As you can see, 20 dollar gold coins come with a rich history and attractive designs that make them popular among collectors and investors alike. While they are no longer produced, they can still be found and are an excellent way to diversify your portfolio with gold. Just remember to do your research and buy from reputable sources whenever possible!
What is your experience with 20 dollar gold coins? Let us know about it in the comments below!