Liberty Gold Double Eagle $20 Type 2, With Motto, 1866-1876 PR DCAM [Type]

Designer: James B. Longacre. Weight: 33.436 grams. Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper (net weight: .96750 oz. pure gold). Diameter 34 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: This relatively short-lived double eagle type is the scarcest of the six major styles of double eagles. When seen, most pieces show wear, readily available in VF, EF, and AU preservation, although MS-60 through MS-62 are plentiful enough to satisfy demands.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Striking can be a problem with these issues. Check the hair detail of Liberty, often unsatisfactory, and the centers of the stars, similarly less than sharp in many instances. The reverses tend to be struck up better, but again check all details including the eagle.

Proof Coins: Proofs are very rare as the low mintage figures indicate. However, when seen they are usually quite attractive.