United States Of America Twenty Dollar Gold Coin
The United States of America twenty dollar gold coin, also known as the Double Eagle, was first minted in 1849 during the California gold rush. It quickly became one of the most popular gold coins in circulation due to its high gold content and beautiful design.
Design
The front of the coin features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch and an olive branch. The background includes the Capitol building and the rising sun. The back of the coin features a bald eagle in flight, with a shield on its chest and an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The words "United States of America" and the denomination "Twenty Dollars" are also inscribed on the back.
Gold Content
Each twenty dollar gold coin contains 0.9675 ounces of gold, making it one of the largest and heaviest gold coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Due to its high gold content, the coin was frequently used for international trade and was often melted down for its gold value.
History
The twenty dollar gold coin was minted from 1849-1933, with several design changes throughout its history. The most famous design is the Saint-Gaudens double eagle, which was minted from 1907-1933 and is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint.
During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102, which made it illegal for US citizens to own gold coins. This led to the recall and melting of millions of gold coins, including the twenty dollar gold coin. Today, surviving examples of the twenty dollar gold coin are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
Value
The value of a twenty dollar gold coin depends on several factors, including its rarity, condition, and historical significance. The most valuable examples are those that are in excellent condition and have a low mintage, such as the 1933 double eagle, which sold for $7.6 million in 2002.
However, even common date twenty dollar gold coins can be worth thousands of dollars due to their gold content and historical significance. As with any investment, it's important to do your research and consult with a reputable dealer before buying or selling a twenty dollar gold coin.
Conclusion
The United States of America twenty dollar gold coin is a beautiful and historically significant coin that is highly valued by collectors and investors alike. With its high gold content and beautiful design, it's no wonder that it remains one of the most popular gold coins in circulation today.