Twenty Dollar Liberty Double Eagle Coins
Produced by various branches of the US Mint between 1849 and 1907, the Liberty “Double-Eagle” coins with a face value of twenty dollars remain one of the most collectible gold coins in the numismatic marketplace, almost always performing well in rare coin projections.
These coins contain nearly a whole ounce of pure gold (about 97% worth) and were created as a result of the sudden influx of gold at the western mints and banks during the California Gold Rush of 1849. In fact, they were made with the highest precious metal content of any gold coin on the 18th century, and was widely adopted for that reason.
But their worth lies far beyond their “melt” value, with high-quality specimens (uncirculated and proof coins) selling for several thousands of dollars each. Of the millions that were minted, very few remain today. A very large portion of the Liberty Double Eagle coins in storage or circulation were rounded up, turned in and melted down in 1933 at the behest of the second Roosevelt administration.
During their long mintage, there are three distinct date ranges of of Liberty Double Eagles that can be grouped together. Numismatists usually group this coin as follows:
The Liberty Double Eagle performed admirably when upon release and was widely used among prospectors and banks. They also had the effect of creating a small and stable gold economy, that was less severely impacted by the panics of the late 19th century. During the nearly 60 years that the Liberty Double Eagle coins were minted, they were proven to be of great popular utility as both a coin of small- and large-scale commerce.
As an investment in the 21st century, the Liberty Double Eagle gold coins can be a good long-term investment to round out a portfolio through times that are otherwise difficult for commerce. Rare coin projections and prices do change regularly, but over time, they tend to perform better than the stock market due to generally decreased volatility – no matter what, gold has it’s own value and collectors always come back.
Like any other valuable type of coin, the Liberty Double Eagle is prone to counterfeiting. It’s beauty is such that it is among the most often replicated for nefarious means, not to confuse them with reproduction coins that are created as something to do with bullion.
Purchasing certified coins that have been inspected by a numismatic professional organization, giving them something of a seal of approval if you’re not an expert.
Arthur McGuire
February 9, 2009
