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The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1873-S Open 3 AU55 NGC is a scarce and historically rich example of 19th-century American gold coinage, struck at the San Francisco Mint during a pivotal moment in U.S. monetary history. Graded About Uncirculated 55 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this coin displays full design detail with only light friction on the high points, retaining strong original luster and visual appeal. As a Type II Liberty Head Double Eagle with the rare “Open 3” date style, this coin holds heightened numismatic interest due to both its limited availability and distinctive typography.
The obverse of the 1873-S $20 Liberty features James B. Longacre’s classic portrait of Lady Liberty. She faces left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” and her hair is tied in a bun, with curling tresses cascading down the back of her neck. Thirteen stars surround the central image, representing the original colonies, and the date “1873” appears at the bottom rim. The “Open 3” variety refers to the spacing in the number “3,” where the upper and lower loops are more widely separated compared to the “Closed 3” style, a subtle yet important distinction for specialists. In AU55 condition, Liberty’s hair, coronet, and facial features remain bold, with only faint friction visible on the cheek and tiara.
The reverse design, introduced in 1866 as part of the Type II subtype, includes the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on a scroll above the eagle’s head. The eagle has a shield on its breast and clutches an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing peace and military readiness. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches above, with the denomination “TWENTY D.” curved below. Beneath the eagle is the “S” mintmark indicating San Francisco as the issuing mint. This side of the coin also retains excellent detail in AU55, with visible feather lines, full shield grooves, and clearly legible inscriptions. Luster often remains in the protected areas of the design, especially around the devices and legends.
Each 1873-S Double Eagle is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 33.44 grams and measuring 34 millimeters in diameter. These large gold coins, known as Double Eagles, were introduced in 1850 and became the cornerstone of high-value transactions, especially in international trade. San Francisco was ideally positioned to mint these coins using gold from California and the Western mining regions, distributing hard money into a growing national economy. The coins served banks, merchants, and foreign exchanges, which explains why so few early San Francisco issues survive in higher grades.
The 1873-S Double Eagle had a mintage of 1,040,600 pieces, but most of these circulated heavily or were exported and melted. Surviving examples of the Open 3 variety in higher grades are significantly scarcer than their Closed 3 counterparts. The Open 3 subtype is most easily identified under magnification and is recognized by major grading services like NGC and PCGS. Coins with this variation are cataloged and pursued by collectors who appreciate the die changes and date styles of the Liberty Head series. In AU55, this example ranks among the upper tier of circulated survivors, offering near-Mint State eye appeal at a more accessible price point.
NGC’s AU55 designation confirms that the coin has only minimal wear and maintains full rims, complete design elements, and good remaining luster. A coin in this grade may show the slightest flatness on the eagle’s breast and Liberty’s cheek or hairline but will still offer strong definition and above-average surface quality. Original patina, a soft cartwheel effect, and subtle color variations typical of San Francisco gold can further enhance the aesthetic presentation of an AU55 example. These coins often appeal to collectors who value the balance between historical preservation and visual satisfaction without the premium of Mint State issues.
Visually, the 1873-S Open 3 in AU55 is often attractive, with even gold toning ranging from light yellow to deeper orange or rose hues. The San Francisco Mint was known for producing sharp strikes with strong detail, and this example would showcase those qualities, particularly in Liberty’s curls, the eagle’s wings, and the intricate shield on the reverse. Light contact marks may be present in the fields—common for large gold coins—but should not dominate the coin’s overall look or detract from its impressive detail and luster.
Historically, 1873 was a consequential year in U.S. numismatics. The Coinage Act of 1873, often called the “Crime of 1873,” ended the free coinage of silver and placed the nation firmly on a gold standard, which had profound implications for U.S. monetary policy. That same year, subtle design modifications such as the switch from Closed to Open “3” numerals appeared on several denominations, including the Double Eagle. The San Francisco Mint, supplying the rapidly growing Pacific Coast economy, played a vital role in maintaining gold coin production during this pivotal moment. As a result, coins like the 1873-S Open 3 serve as both monetary instruments and artifacts of national financial transformation.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1873-S Open 3 AU55 NGC appeals to collectors of Liberty Head gold, date and mintmark specialists, and investors in pre-1933 U.S. coinage. Its AU55 grade ensures high detail and visual integrity without reaching the cost of Mint State coins. The Open 3 subtype adds a desirable variety aspect to an already significant issue. Whether housed in a date-mint set, a Type II Liberty collection, or a broader U.S. gold portfolio, this coin offers exceptional historical, aesthetic, and numismatic value.