Description

Type: $ 20 U.S. Liberty

• Material: Gold
• Mint: Philadelphia, Carson City, San Francisco,
• Actual weight: gr. 33,43
• Weight of pure gold content: gr. 30
• Pure gold: 900 % (21,6 carats)
• Diameter: mm 34
• The period of coinage: from the 1850al 1904

HISTORY

Coined for the first time in 1850, the gold coin $ 20 Liberty, known as the “Double Eagle”, represents an important chapter in the history of numismatics in the United States. His birth is closely linked to the discovery of rich gold deposits in California in 1849, which triggered a veritable gold rush, and an unprecedented economic expansion.

In 1848, in Coloma (Sutter's Mill), were found nuggets in a mountain stream. From then on, there was a global race to the areas the gold of the Caifornia. In 1849, more than 100 000 people arrived in droves in search of gold.

The wave of the California gold capsized the global market of metal. The price of silver increased to such an extent that it became profitable to melt silver coins for their value in bullion. To replace the silver coins that were declining rapidly, and was authorized the printing of dollars worth of gold in 1849. It was authorized the printing of a coin, most important, that twenty dollars of gold, and the minting real began in 1850. This is because there was a large amount of gold, and it was easier and less costly to print a currency of large size, rather than the many smaller, of the same value. In less than a century of production, were minted 175 million of coins of twenty dollars, with a total nominal value of 3 billion and a half dollars.

The image of Liberty, with his proud look and the crown of stars, quickly became an iconic symbol of the United States. The 13 stars represent the thirteen colonies of the original, while the eagle on the reverse evokes the power and majesty of the young nation. The design, by James Barton Longacre, the chief engraver of the mint of the United States, was chosen for its elegance and its strong visual impact.

A head similar of Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht had already appeared in 1838, when it was introduced in the coin of ten dollars; in 1839, the same representation was presented on that five-dollar, and in 1840, on the two and a half dollars.

The years in which the coin from $ 20 Liberty " was coined (1850-1907) were characterized by an intense economic and social development of the United States. The coin became a medium of exchange is very widespread, facilitating trade and westward expansion. At the same time, its beauty and its value made it an object coveted by collectors and investors.

The obverse features a classic interpretation of a Greek Lady Liberty, while the reverse depicts an eagle bold with the wings for their opening. Since 1849, the Double Eagle "Gold" was coined in three types: the Type variety of The “No Motto” (1850-1866), variety, Type II with “Twenty D” on the back (1866-1876), and the variety Type III with “Twenty dollars” written (1877-1907). The motto “In GodWe Trust” was added to the coins on the basis of an act of the Congress of 1865.

With the advent of the TWENTIETH century and the establishment of the monetary system, the gold coin $ 20 Liberty continued to be coined, but with some changes to the design. However, the Great Depression and subsequent political decisions led to the suspension of the convertibility of the dollar into gold and, as a result, at the end of the minting of the coin from $ 20 Liberty in 1933.

Despite its withdrawal from circulation, the coin 20 dollars Liberty did not fall into oblivion. On the contrary, became an object of worship for the numismatists all over the world. In the ’70s, with the resurgence of interest in gold as a safe haven, the coin came to be produced in versions commemorative, having a great success among collectors.

The coin 20 Dollars Liberty represents a time of major changes of statement of the american identity, and represents more than a simple coin:it is a piece of history, a symbol of an era and an object of great fascination for collectors all over the world. Her beauty, her value, and its connection with the history of the United States make it an icon of our time.

Within the series of " Liberty $ 20, there are different varieties worthy of note and key dates, with which to increase the charm coin. For example, the variety 1861-P Paquet Reverse is very sought-after by collectors for its distinctive features of the design. Key dates as the 1854-S, 1856-O, and the 1870-CC are considered to be rare and require higher premiums on the market. The numismatic enjoy complete set or acquire the years and trademark of the mint specific to show the breadth and depth of their collection. The challenge and the excitement of finding coins elusive and further improve the experience in numismatics. In conclusion, the coins, the Liberty $ 20 possess a unique blend of investment and charm coin. From the point of view of investments, these gold coins offer direct exposure to the precious metal, and the potential long-term growth.