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The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1867-S AU55 NGC is a significant and desirable numismatic specimen that offers collectors a rare glimpse into America’s post-Civil War coinage, struck during a transformative period in U.S. history. Graded About Uncirculated 55 (AU55) by NGC—one of the most trusted third-party coin grading services—this example exhibits only light wear on the highest points of the design and retains much of its original mint luster. Minted at the San Francisco Mint, this coin also carries historical and regional importance, as California's gold rush era continued to fuel coin production in the American West during the late 1860s.
The obverse of the 1867-S $20 Liberty features the classic design by James Barton Longacre, who served as Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1844 to 1869. At the center is a left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is elegantly tied with ringlets draped across the neck, and the portrait is surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The date “1867” appears at the bottom rim. Even in AU55 condition, the coin retains sharp detail in Liberty’s hair, tiara, and facial features, with just slight softening visible on the highest points.
The reverse bears a majestic heraldic eagle with a shield over its breast, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle is a scroll inscribed with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which had only recently been added to the design in 1866 following its authorization by the Coinage Act of 1865. The national motto was a reflection of the Union’s post-Civil War identity and moral convictions. Thirteen stars surround the eagle, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.” forming the circular legend. The “S” mintmark, located just below the eagle, identifies the San Francisco Mint as the production site.
Struck in 90% gold and 10% copper alloy, the $20 Liberty—also known as the Double Eagle—weighs 33.44 grams and has a diameter of 34 mm. It was primarily used in large-scale banking and international commerce due to its high face value and gold content. The 1867-S issue is especially notable as one of the earlier post-war San Francisco strikes, minted during a time when gold from the Sierra Nevada was still flowing steadily into the Western mint. San Francisco played a vital role in supplying coinage to support both national and regional economies, particularly as the nation recovered and expanded during Reconstruction.
The total mintage for the 1867-S Double Eagle was approximately 983,160 coins, a relatively moderate number for the series. However, surviving examples in AU condition or better are significantly scarcer due to widespread use in trade and the frequent melting of gold coins during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many pieces were lost to international shipments or converted into bullion, making well-preserved survivors—especially certified by NGC in AU55—especially prized by numismatists today. This grade represents a coin that saw limited circulation, showing only light wear while retaining strong detail and attractive surfaces.
The AU55 grade indicates the coin has full rims, nearly complete device detail, and ample remaining luster, with only minor rub on the high points such as Liberty’s cheek, hairline, or the eagle’s breast. As a certified coin, it has been authenticated, graded, and encapsulated by NGC, ensuring its genuineness and condition. Collectors value third-party grading as it adds liquidity, market confidence, and peace of mind, particularly for gold coins that are frequently counterfeited or mishandled.
Visually, the 1867-S $20 Liberty in AU55 condition is impressive, often exhibiting a warm gold hue typical of San Francisco issues, which are known for their quality strikes and distinctive color due to the mint’s metal sourcing and refining practices. While small marks and light abrasions may be present under magnification—common for large gold coins—they are typically minimal and do not detract from the overall aesthetic. Many examples in this grade maintain original mint bloom and showcase subtle cartwheel luster when tilted under light.
Historically, the 1867-S $20 Liberty sits within a rich context of American development. The nation was undergoing rapid reconstruction and industrialization following the Civil War, and westward expansion was in full force. The Transcontinental Railroad was nearing completion, and gold from California continued to drive commerce. The introduction of “IN GOD WE TRUST” onto the coinage also marked a shift in national sentiment and a permanent alteration in U.S. coin design. As such, the 1867-S is more than a monetary artifact—it is a historical testament to the era’s aspirations, resilience, and growth.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1867-S AU55 NGC remains highly sought after by collectors of pre-1933 U.S. gold, Western mint issues, and Civil War and Reconstruction-era coinage. Its strong detail, historical significance, and relative scarcity in higher circulated grades contribute to its strong market appeal. Whether added to a type set, Liberty Head Double Eagle date set, or a regional mint collection, it serves as both a sound numismatic investment and a tangible link to a dynamic period in American history.