Coin of the Day; 1890 CC Liberty Head Gold Double Eagle

The Gold Double Eagle is made from 90% gold and 10% copper and has a denomination of $20 (although you’d have to be either desperate or a fool to use for that) making it the largest denomination coin in the United States.

The Liberty Head Double Eagle, such as the one shown here, was authorized on March 3, 1849 and first minted later in that same year. The Liberty Head design ran until 1907 when it was replaced by the more modern Saint-Gaudens.

The Liberty Head Double Eagle features a depiction of Liberty on the obverse wearing a crown inscribed with the word “LIBERTY”  and surrounded by thirteen stars representing the thirteen original colonies.  The reverse has two subtypes though. the one seen on the 1890 CC is from the second and as such features our countries motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The first type does not, yet both types feature an eagle with wings outstretched with a crest and banner that is inscribed with the words, E PLUIBUS UNUM.” The reverse also features the words, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” as well as, “TWENTY D.” on every coin pre. 1877 and “TWENTY DOLLARS” on every coin since then making a third and final subtype.

As the Liberty Head was found to have less desirable artwork than the Saint-Gaudens, it is less often found in shops and collections, so when collectors see a coin from this set they need it is often snatched up quick further reducing the availability of this coin.