The $20 Liberty Gold coin, also known as the Double Eagle is a gold coin of the United States made from 1850 to 1907. (Its gold content of 0.9675 troy oz was worth $20 at the then official price of $20.67/oz). The coins are made from a 90% gold (0.900 fine = 21.6 kt) and 10% copper alloy.
The first double eagle was actually minted in 1849 (extremely rare), coinciding with the California Gold Rush. In that year, the mint produced two pieces in proof. The first resides in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. The second was presented to then Treasury Secretary William M. Meredith and was later sold as part of his estate - the present location of this coin remains unknown.
In 1850 regular production began and continued until 1933 (when the official price of gold was changed to $35/oz by the Gold Reserve Act). Liberty design Double Eagles ended in 1907. Prior to 1850, eagles with a denomination of $10 were the largest denomination of US coin. $10 eagles were produced beginning in 1795, just two years after the first U.S. mint opened. Since the $20 gold piece had twice the value of the eagle, these coins were designated "double eagles".
These are wonderful pieces of history that can be purchased at a reasonable premium over their intrinsic value. Usually you will find dealers offering them for sale - simular condition to the example coin I show - at a 20 to 30% premium over their gold value. However, it is important to understand that condition determines value, so this 20% to 30% premium I mention is just a starting point in price.
I think United States $20 Double Eagles are great coins, though most are not rare! The U.S. Mint made plenty. But if you're looking for an alternative to just bullion gold, you may want to consider them. I also find that for the price, they offer a remakable opportunity to handle something of our country's past! A tangible that you can pass down from one generation to the next. Your thoughts?
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