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The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1867 MS61 NGC is an exceptional and scarce specimen from the post-Civil War era, offering collectors a remarkable example of early Reconstruction-era coinage struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Graded Mint State 61 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this coin sits at the threshold of uncirculated condition, displaying no wear from circulation and retaining full mint detail. As an 1867 issue, it represents one of the earliest years to feature the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the reverse of the Double Eagle—an important development in the evolution of American coinage. The combination of historical importance, mint state preservation, and low surviving population makes this coin especially desirable for advanced collectors of 19th-century U.S. gold.
The obverse of the 1867 $20 Liberty features the classic portrait of Lady Liberty designed by James B. Longacre. Facing left, Liberty wears a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” and her hair is pulled back in elegant curls. Encircling the bust are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date “1867” positioned at the bottom. In Mint State 61, this coin retains bold strike details in Liberty’s hair, facial features, and the coronet, although minor abrasions and bag marks—typical of the MS61 grade—may be present in the fields and other open areas due to the coin’s large size and soft surface.
The reverse design displays a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on a scroll—added to the design just a year earlier in 1866 in response to the religious sentiment following the Civil War. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches across the top, while the denomination “TWENTY D.” curves below. The Philadelphia Mint did not use a mintmark, so the absence of one below the eagle confirms its origin. On this MS61 example, the eagle’s feathers, shield, and surrounding devices remain crisp, with no signs of wear, though light contact marks or friction in the fields may be visible under magnification.
The coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, with a gross weight of 33.44 grams and a diameter of 34 millimeters. Known as the Double Eagle, the $20 Liberty was introduced in 1850 as a response to the massive influx of gold from the California Gold Rush. By 1867, the Double Eagle had become the workhorse of international trade and large domestic transactions. Philadelphia, the principal mint of the United States, produced these coins with a level of quality that made their uncirculated survivors among the most coveted in the series.
The mintage for the 1867 $20 Liberty from the Philadelphia Mint was approximately 251,015 coins. While this might appear as a healthy production figure, the number of coins surviving in true Mint State condition is dramatically smaller. Most Double Eagles from the 1860s were heavily circulated or lost to melting, especially during the 1930s when large quantities of gold were recalled and destroyed. NGC census reports show that MS61 examples are significantly scarcer than their AU counterparts, and coins in MS62 or higher become increasingly rare and valuable. Thus, this MS61 example represents a desirable balance between affordability and condition rarity.
Being certified by NGC, the coin has been authenticated and encapsulated in a secure holder, preserving its condition and adding market confidence for buyers and sellers. The MS61 grade indicates a coin that is fully uncirculated but may exhibit several small contact marks, minor scuffs, or subdued luster in certain areas—typical characteristics for a coin of this age and denomination. Despite these minor flaws, the coin is a genuine Mint State survivor, offering all the essential design elements in full detail.
Visually, the 1867 $20 Liberty in MS61 offers strong aesthetic appeal. The devices stand out boldly against semi-reflective or softly frosted fields, depending on the specific strike and surface preservation. Liberty’s profile and the eagle’s feathered wings are prominent, and even the finer elements such as denticles and star points remain crisp. The coin’s warm yellow-gold tone—sometimes enhanced with light reddish hues from copper alloy—adds richness and authenticity to its 19th-century appearance. Collectors often appreciate these original surfaces for their historic character and as evidence of the coin’s integrity.
Historically, the 1867 issue emerges during a time of national healing and expansion. The Civil War had ended just two years earlier, and the country was undergoing Reconstruction. Congress had recently passed legislation to add “IN GOD WE TRUST” to American coinage, which first appeared on the $20 Double Eagle in 1866. The use of this motto was part of a broader cultural movement emphasizing unity, faith, and patriotism. Philadelphia’s minting of these early post-war Double Eagles speaks to the federal government’s role in stabilizing the economy and asserting national identity through monetary design.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1867 MS61 NGC is a prized acquisition for collectors focusing on pre-1933 gold, Liberty Head Double Eagles, Civil War and Reconstruction-era coinage, or high-grade U.S. Mint State issues. Its rarity in uncirculated condition, historical context, and appealing design make it a strong candidate for advanced type sets or 19th-century gold collections. While MS62 and higher examples command significant premiums, this MS61 coin offers both long-term value and a high level of preservation, placing it among the more desirable offerings of the era.