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| Double Eagle Gold Coin, Coronet Liberty Head |
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| US 20 dollars Gold Coin |
Designed by James B Longacre, the $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle was produced from 1849 to 1907 with each coin containing just under a full ounce of gold. Coinage was authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849 and only one issue (a pattern) was made that year. That one 1849 specimen currently reside within the Smithsonian.
The obverse design features an idealized bust image of Lady Liberty facing left wearing a coronet with “LIBERTY” inscribed. Above the bust design are 13 stars to represent the original states or colonies.
The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings is in the center, clutching three arrows in the left claw and a small olive branch in the right, with a shield placed across its breast. On either side of the eagle are ribbon with “E PLURIBUS” on the left and “UNUM” on the right. Above the eagle is an oval or halo of 13 stars to represent the original states or colonies and within the oval is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. In the background of the design are rays while on the outer periphery is the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and just below the eagle design is the denomination "TWENTY DOLLARS." A mint mark for New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), or Denver (D) is located below the design and just above the denomination. Coins minted at the Philadelphia Mint carried no mint marks.
Designer - Engraver: James B Longacre
Years Minted: 1849-1907
Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, Denver
Metal Composition: 90% Gold - 10% Copper
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 33.436 grams (.9675 gold ounces)
Total Mintage: 103,822,180
Edge: Reeded