The 1904 $20 Liberty Gold Coin, also known as the Liberty Double Eagle, is a significant piece of American numismatic history. This coin marks one of the final issues of the Liberty Head series, which began its mintage in 1849 during the California Gold Rush and continued until 1907 when the design was replaced by the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.
The obverse of the 1904 Liberty Double Eagle features a classical depiction of Lady Liberty, designed by James B. Longacre. Lady Liberty is portrayed facing left, her hair pulled back and held by a beaded coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” This portrait is surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, and the minting year at the bottom.
The reverse showcases a heraldic eagle behind a shield, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing the nation’s preference for peace but readiness for war. Above the eagle is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” a feature added to the design in 1866. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” circle the design, denoting the coin’s face value and country of origin.
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as indicated by the absence of a mint mark, the 1904 $20 Liberty Gold Coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper. It weighs 33.436 grams and measures 34 millimeters in diameter, making it a substantial and valuable piece for collectors and investors alike.
The 1904 Liberty Double Eagle is particularly sought after due to its historical context and the beauty of its design. Its high gold content and impressive, regal appearance make it a favorite among collectors of pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. As a near culmination of the Liberty series, it represents an era of American history filled with expansion and conflict, mirrored by the resilience and enduring strength of the nation.
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