1876 Liberty Head Double Eagle

About This Coin

The 1876 Liberty Head Double Eagle is a United States Gold Double Eagle from the Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907 series. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM surrounded by a glory of rays. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Liberty Head Double Eagle ($20 gold) was the largest regular-issue gold denomination, introduced in 1849 following the California Gold Rush. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added in 1866, and the denomination was changed from TWENTY D. to TWENTY DOLLARS in 1877. These coins served as primary instruments of international gold commerce. Shipwreck recoveries (SS Central America, SS Republic) have introduced thousands of pristine examples to the market. The 1861 Paquet Reverse, Carson City issues, and the 1849 pattern (unique, at the Smithsonian) are highlights.