-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 55997
Checkout
The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1899-S MS63 PCGS is a remarkable example of late 19th-century American numismatic history, showcasing both the strength of the U.S. economy during the Gilded Age and the refined artistry of the Liberty Head double eagle design. Struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1899, this coin represents the penultimate year of the 19th century and is graded Mint State 63 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), placing it firmly in the upper echelon of uncirculated condition. With its large size, substantial gold content, and certified preservation, this double eagle is both a historical artifact and a highly collectible investment piece.
The Liberty Head $20 double eagle was introduced in 1850, a direct consequence of the California Gold Rush and the resulting influx of bullion to the U.S. Mint. Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the coin was the highest denomination struck for circulation at the time and served both domestic and international economic needs. The 1899-S issue came during a period of industrial expansion and relative economic stability following the recovery from the Panic of 1893. The San Francisco Mint, strategically located near California’s gold fields, played a key role in transforming raw gold into official coinage, making it one of the most prolific producers of double eagles during this era.
The obverse of the 1899-S $20 Liberty coin features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is tied in a bun with cascading curls, and thirteen stars encircle her image, representing the original states of the Union. The date “1899” appears below. Longacre’s design exudes classical dignity, blending neoclassical elegance with American ideals of freedom and democracy. The engraving is sharp and intricate, particularly in higher mint-state grades like MS63, where the hair detail, coronet, and stars appear crisply defined against shimmering fields.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, a shield covering its chest, and a scroll in its beak bearing the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Above the eagle is a halo of thirteen stars and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST,” a motto added to the design in 1866. The eagle clutches an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to peace and readiness for defense. Surrounding the central motif are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS.” The design is bold and symmetrical, a tribute to the strength and stability of the United States as it prepared to enter the 20th century.
The San Francisco Mint struck a total of 2,010,300 Liberty Head double eagles in 1899, a respectable mintage that ensured the denomination’s continued circulation on the West Coast and beyond. Though many examples were used in banking, trade, and export, a number of well-preserved pieces survived in mint state, often stored in bank vaults or repatriated from overseas hoards. The survival of Mint State examples like this one, graded MS63 by PCGS, speaks to the durability of the design and the enduring value of gold coins. Coins from San Francisco can often be distinguished by their sharp strike and rich luster, characteristics that collectors have come to expect from “S” mint issues.
The MS63 grade from PCGS indicates a coin that is uncirculated and possesses above-average eye appeal for the type. It will have strong luster, minimal contact marks, and well-preserved design elements, though some light abrasions or scuffs may be present in the fields or high points. PCGS, one of the most trusted grading services in the world, encapsulates the coin in a secure holder with a certification number that guarantees authenticity, condition, and protection from future damage. For a coin as large and historically significant as the $20 Liberty, this level of certification adds both confidence and value for the collector or investor.
With a diameter of 34 millimeters and a gross weight of 33.436 grams, the 1899-S double eagle is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, yielding a net gold content of 0.9675 troy ounces. The alloy was used to improve the coin’s durability for everyday use and shipping. These large gold coins were essential in domestic and international commerce, often used in high-value transactions, international payments, and as reserves by foreign banks. Their robust size and beautiful design make them especially desirable among collectors of classic American gold coinage.
The condition of this PCGS-certified MS63 coin ensures sharp design elements and bright luster, with very few detracting marks. Coins of this caliber display full detail in Liberty’s curls and the eagle’s feathers, along with clean, frosted devices and semi-reflective surfaces. MS63 is considered a strong grade for 19th-century gold, as coins with higher grades such as MS64 or MS65 are increasingly scarce and command substantial premiums. As a result, MS63 specimens strike a favorable balance between eye appeal, rarity, and affordability, making them an attractive option for collectors seeking high-quality classic gold.
The 1899-S $20 Liberty double eagle holds considerable appeal not only for its aesthetic and numismatic qualities, but also for its role in American history. It circulated at the dawn of the 20th century, an era marked by rapid technological advancement and geopolitical change. Its production at the San Francisco Mint—built to transform the wealth of the Gold Rush into reliable currency—adds a layer of historical resonance. The survival of this coin in MS63 condition more than a century later serves as a testament to its intrinsic and enduring value.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1899-S MS63 PCGS remains an outstanding addition to any collection of American gold. Whether acquired for its investment potential, historical context, or artistic merit, it continues to reflect the economic might and refined craftsmanship of a bygone era. As the demand for pre-1933 U.S. gold remains strong, particularly for certified mint state examples, this coin offers both security and satisfaction to the discerning collector or investor who values timeless beauty in precious metal form.