1886 Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin

The 1886 Liberty Head double eagle $20 gold coins are extremely rare, just a little over 1,000 were ever made and many have since been melted. All 1886 Liberty Head $20 Gold Coins were struck at the Philadelphia mint.
Bear in mind that the bulk of the coins minted in 1886 have since been melted, which means a coin that would have already been considered rare (if even all specimens survived) is actually much scarcer still. Obviously, finding an 1886 Liberty Head double eagle is a challenging task. For that reason, these $20 gold coins should be regarded as scarce and only purchased from reputable coin dealers.

Grading the 1886 Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin

When you have your coin graded, it is sent to a grading company that specializes in the grading process. The process is comprised of several key steps used to determine the coin’s overall physical condition. In addition, the coin’s metal content as well as authenticity will also be verified. Your coin’s final grade, however, is determined by a team of expert numismatists. Coins that are assigned higher grades on the grading scale may be significantly more valuable than coins of the same type that are assigned lower grades. You can actually perform a close inspection of your coin looking for any damage or imperfections and get a good idea of how it might be graded.

Use the specifications below to determine how your Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin might be graded.

Uncirculated: Coins that are assigned a grade of uncirculated will appear brand new and will look as if they have never been handled by human hands. These coins will have all of their intricate details fully intact, and will look as if they were just removed from the mint’s presses. Many of these coins will have retained their shine and luster, while some may have very slight differences in color or finish. You can use a magnifying glass to visually inspect the coin’s details, for any signs of erosion or scratches.

Extremely Fine: Coins that are in extremely fine condition are also in excellent condition, and are just one grade below uncirculated condition. These coins may have some very small blemishes or damage, and they are often only visible through a magnifying glass or microscope. Some of the coin’s details may appear or feel slightly worn down from being handled over the years. Nevertheless, these coins are in great shape and are in very good physical condition.

Fine: A coin that is given a grade of fine still maintains all of its imagery and text, although it may have some moderate damage or wear. The coin’s images or text may be smooth to the touch, and some of the fiber details may look worn down. In addition, the coin’s color may be slightly off.

Good: A coin in good condition will have some significant surface blemishes. Heavy use and wear over the years may even make it hard, if not impossible, to make out the coin’s images, text or other details. A closer inspection may be necessary to determine the type of coin, the mint year and other details. Despite their less-than-perfect physical condition, coins assigned a grade of good may still be very valuable based on demand, scarcity and other variables.
Pricing the 1886 Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin

To determine a price for the 1886 Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin the condition of the coin means everything. Listed below is a chart aimed at giving you a better idea of what you will be asked to pay for a Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin given its condition.

Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1886 Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin (S)	N/A	N/A	$37,500	$60,000
Source: Red Book