The $20 gold coin, also known as the Double Eagle, was a U.S. coin that was minted from 1849 to 1933. The coin was introduced during the California Gold Rush, when large amounts of gold were being discovered in the western United States.
The Double Eagle was originally designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The coin features Liberty on the obverse, with a wreath of laurel and oak leaves on the reverse. The original design also featured the denomination as “TWENTY D.” on the reverse, but this was later changed to “TWENTY DOLLARS” to make it more clear to the public. These are solid chunky coins, you really feel the gold when you hold one.
The Double Eagle was initially introduced in 1849 as a response to the large amounts of gold being discovered in California. The coin was intended to serve as a convenient and secure way for miners and merchants to transport and exchange their gold. The coin was popular with the public and quickly became a standard part of American commerce.
During the early 20th century, the Double Eagle underwent several design changes. In 1907, the coin was redesigned by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of the most famous American sculptors of the time. The new design featured a full-length figure of Liberty on the obverse, with a flying eagle on the reverse. The design was widely praised for its beauty and artistic merit and is considered one of the most iconic designs in American coinage. Truly a stunning coin in high grades or even better the rare high relief.
The production of the Double Eagle was halted in 1933, following the United States’ abandonment of the gold standard and the prohibition of private gold ownership. Many examples of the coin were melted down or lost, and the surviving examples are highly prized by collectors and investors. Today, the Double Eagle remains one of the most valuable and sought-after coins in American numismatics.
These coins carry a higher premium over gold value and in high grades or scarce mintage can fetch a lot of money. Most government issued precious metal currencies carry a premium as they are universally known and trusted. Many people also lover pre-33 gold as they call it because they believe that they will be safe should another gold confiscation occur.
Please make sure to only buy from reputable dealers as there are a number of high quality fakes of these coins being sold on the internet to unaware consumers. General rule of thumb in bullion if the deal seems too good to be true its is… If you see these being offered below spot I would walk away…