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The Certified US Gold $20 Liberty 1873 Open 3 MS60 NGC is a significant and highly collectible coin from the classic Liberty Head double eagle series. Struck at the height of the Reconstruction era, this coin is notable for its transitional date style—featuring the “Open 3” variety in the year 1873. Graded Mint State 60 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this example sits at the entry level of uncirculated condition, preserving full mint luster and original detail despite some contact marks and light abrasions. The 1873 Open 3 is a key date within the series due to its mintage intricacies, aesthetic appeal, and connection to the Coinage Act of 1873, which fundamentally reshaped U.S. monetary policy.
The Liberty Head double eagle series, designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, was introduced in 1850 in response to the massive influx of gold from the California Gold Rush. The $20 denomination allowed for the efficient coining of large gold quantities into a form convenient for commerce, trade, and bullion reserves. The obverse features a neoclassical portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, encircle her image, with the date “1873” located below. The “Open 3” in this date refers to the wider loops in the numeral 3, distinguishing it from the earlier “Closed 3” variant used on some dies early in the year.
The reverse of the coin bears a powerful American eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing peace and military readiness. A shield covers the eagle’s breast, and above it, a halo of thirteen stars and rays suggests the divine guidance and unity of the states. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches above, while the denomination “TWENTY D.” is inscribed below. A distinguishing feature introduced in 1866 and continued on the 1873 issue is the inclusion of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on a ribbon above the eagle, mandated following the religious fervor of the Civil War. This reverse design remained consistent until 1877 when minor modifications were made.
Minted in Philadelphia, the 1873 Open 3 $20 Liberty was struck in .900 fine gold with a weight of 33.436 grams and a diameter of 34 mm. The edge is reeded, and the net gold content is approximately 0.9675 troy ounces. The Philadelphia Mint was the only facility to strike this coin in 1873 without a mintmark, unlike San Francisco and Carson City counterparts which used “S” and “CC” respectively. The coin was struck using steam-powered presses and manually prepared dies, which can result in minor die variations and strike characteristics even among examples of the same date.
The mintage of the 1873 Open 3 Liberty double eagle from the Philadelphia Mint is reported at 1,709,717 coins, though this figure encompasses both Open and Closed 3 varieties. The Open 3 design was introduced to improve clarity in the date, as the Closed 3 was easily mistaken for an “8.” While not considered rare in circulated grades, the Open 3 becomes significantly scarcer in Mint State, particularly at MS60 and above. Many coins saw immediate use in domestic and international commerce, resulting in most surviving examples showing moderate to heavy wear. Therefore, Mint State coins are a minority and are especially appealing to advanced collectors and investors seeking gold with numismatic premiums.
Graded MS60 by NGC, this specimen is the lowest tier of uncirculated designation but still maintains full detail and mint luster. Coins in this grade typically exhibit noticeable contact marks, scuffs, and minor abrasions from handling and storage in bags but show no signs of circulation wear. In MS60, this coin retains strong appeal as an uncirculated example of a historically significant issue, offering a balance between eye appeal and affordability. The coin’s surfaces often display a frosty luster with subdued brilliance, and the devices remain well-struck and clear.
NGC encapsulation provides authentication, grading consistency, and long-term protection, enhancing the coin’s desirability and value. A Mint State grade ensures that the coin has not been cleaned, altered, or mishandled in a way that would detract from its original state. The plastic holder preserves the coin’s condition and supports investor confidence, especially in a market where counterfeits or improperly cleaned specimens can exist. The presence of the “Open 3” detail on the label adds clarity for those collecting by die variety or date style.
The 1873 Open 3 $20 Liberty in MS60 NGC condition holds steady value among numismatists, investors, and gold enthusiasts. Its typical market range is between $3,300 and $4,200, depending on gold spot prices, demand, and visual appeal. Coins with slightly better strike quality or fewer distracting marks may command a premium within the MS60 tier. Rarity increases significantly in higher Mint State grades, especially MS62 and MS63, where population numbers decline and price jumps become more dramatic. As a result, the MS60 grade is a strategic entry point for collectors seeking high gold content and historical pedigree without the steep premiums of higher-grade specimens.
The year 1873 is a watershed moment in U.S. monetary history, marked by the Coinage Act that ended the legal tender status of silver dollars and ushered in the “Gold Standard” era. This legislation, dubbed the “Crime of ’73” by silver advocates, shifted U.S. coinage policy and ultimately contributed to monetary debates well into the 20th century. As such, the 1873 Liberty double eagle embodies not only artistry and intrinsic value but also a chapter in the evolution of American economic philosophy. The use of the Open 3 die further links this coin to the transitional period in U.S. minting practices.
In conclusion, the Certified US Gold $20 Liberty 1873 Open 3 MS60 NGC is an important and attractive coin for collectors and investors alike. With its classic Longacre design, historic transition-year status, and rich gold content, it serves as both a tangible artifact of post-Civil War economic expansion and a centerpiece for any 19th-century gold type set. As a Mint State specimen, it represents a relatively affordable opportunity to own a high-grade version of a pivotal U.S. gold coin, secured by the reputation and reliability of NGC certification. Its blend of rarity, beauty, and historical depth ensures enduring appeal across the numismatic spectrum.