January 12th, 2018
The plentiful gold and silver that came from American western expansion in the late 1800’s created a boon for congress and the U.S. Mint, where politicians and designers alike were eager to monetize the nation’s growing fortunes. In those days, a tightly knit group of influential sculptors and engravers worked the political machine to create markedly American coinage, including the $5, $10 and $20 Liberty and Indian Gold coins among others.
Much like today, in those days, personal and professional connections were paramount to success in business or politics. People like George Murray, a founding partner at the engraving firm of Murray, Draper, Fairman & Co.in Philadelphia collaborated with other notable coin designers including Christian Goebrecht, third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint (1840-1844) and his successor, James Longacre, an apprentice to Murray, who went on to be Chief Engraver from 1844 to his death in 1869.
Longacre was a prolific engraver, designing 1, 2, 3 and 5 cent coins and multiple Indian and Liberty Head Gold coins over his 20+ year tenure. One of the most enduring and sought-afterrare coins from Longacre’s era is the $20 Liberty Gold coin, which was minted starting in 1849. Today, depending on scarcity and quality, $20 Liberty Head Gold coins can be purchased from a respected, knowledgeable coin dealer for as little as $2,000 or so. Rare $20 Gold coins can go for tens of thousands.
For examples, the following rare $20 Liberty Gold coins have been featured on www.pmjcoins.com:
Liberty Gold 1875 CC $20 PCGS MS61 | $15,350 |
Liberty Gold 1883 CC $20 PCGS MS6 | $16,500 |
Liberty Gold 1876 CC $20 PCGS MS61 | $17,500 |
Liberty Gold 1889 CC $20 PCGS MS61 | $18,950 |
PMJ Coins offers an exceptional buying experience, working with knowledgeable numismatic experts to offer the best prices for rare coins, proof sets, ancient currencies and other collectible coins, including the $5 and $10 and $20 Gold coins, that have provided sizeable returnsto savvy collectors for centuries.
BY PHONE: | 516-588-9190 (Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM) |
BY EMAIL: | MALantier.pmj@gmail.com |
BY FAX: | 516-588-9190 |
BY MAIL: | PMJ Coins & Collectibles, Inc., 130 Crossways Park Drive, Suite 102 Woodbury NY 11797 |