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The Certified 1900 $20 Liberty Head Gold Double Eagle graded MS64+ by PCGS is a superbly preserved example of one of the most iconic American gold coin designs. Struck at the dawn of the 20th century, this coin belongs to the long-running Liberty Head series, which spanned from 1850 to 1907. Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the Liberty Head double eagle represents a foundational denomination in U.S. coinage history, serving as a vital component of domestic commerce and international trade during the gold standard era. The 1900 issue is particularly desirable for its high-quality strike, ample mintage, and historical symbolism as it bridges the transition from 19th-century tradition into a modern economic era. In PCGS-certified MS64+ condition, this coin ranks among the finest survivors, combining eye appeal with near-Gem preservation.
The obverse of the 1900 $20 Liberty features the classical portrait of Lady Liberty facing left, her hair styled in a bun and secured with a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY.” Encircling her are 13 stars representing the original American colonies, with the date “1900” placed prominently beneath the bust. The design is formal, restrained, and neoclassical, echoing the artistic ideals of the mid-19th century. Liberty’s profile is dignified and serene, intended to reflect the strength and stability of the United States at a time of expanding influence and economic power. The broad fields and bold relief provide an ideal canvas for the coin’s brilliant luster to shine in high-grade examples such as this MS64+.
The reverse displays a powerful heraldic eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Above the eagle is a halo of 13 stars and rays, with a ribbon flowing from its beak inscribed with the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “TWENTY DOLLARS.” On coins struck after 1866, including this 1900 example, a small banner bearing the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears above the eagle’s head within the arc of stars. The reverse is boldly patriotic, combining symbolic references to strength, peace, and unity in one of the most enduring designs of American coinage. The Philadelphia Mint’s 1900 issue does not carry a mintmark, in keeping with the tradition of omitting mintmarks on coins from the primary mint facility.
The 1900 Liberty Head double eagle was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, with a substantial mintage of 1,874,460 coins. This high output was consistent with the United States’ heavy use of gold coinage during the period and its role in international trade. However, like most gold coins of the era, a vast number of these pieces were exported for foreign banking and settlement purposes, and many were later melted during the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt mandated the recall of most U.S. gold coinage. As a result, only a fraction of the original mintage survives today in high Mint State grades. The 1900 issue is considered one of the more available dates in the series in terms of sheer quantity, yet examples graded MS64+ by PCGS are decidedly scarce, making them particularly desirable to advanced collectors.
The PCGS MS64+ grade indicates a coin that sits just above standard MS64 quality and very close to Gem (MS65) classification. Coins at this level exhibit strong mint luster, a sharp strike, and minimal contact marks or abrasions. An MS64+ coin may show only a few light marks in the fields or on Liberty’s cheek, and they are generally not distracting. The “+” designation is awarded by PCGS to coins that are superior within their grade and display exceptional eye appeal or better surface quality than typical for MS64. For collectors seeking near-Gem quality without the steep price increase of full MS65 pieces, MS64+ examples offer tremendous value and beauty.
The surfaces of a 1900 $20 Liberty in MS64+ often display radiant cartwheel luster and may exhibit subtle golden toning, enhancing the visual depth and aesthetic charm of the coin. The fields are typically clean, and the details in Liberty’s hair, coronet, and the eagle’s feathers are crisply defined, reflecting the precision of the Philadelphia Mint’s production standards at the turn of the century. On high-grade coins such as this, the raised inscriptions and star border around Liberty’s portrait retain strong relief and edge sharpness. The coin’s wide diameter—34 mm—provides a grand canvas for these detailed engravings, making it a visually commanding piece in any collection.
Composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, the 1900 $20 Liberty weighs 33.436 grams and contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. The alloy’s copper content provides increased durability and contributes to the rich, warm hue characteristic of pre-1933 U.S. gold coinage. As the largest circulating gold denomination of its time, the double eagle was primarily used for large financial transactions, bank reserves, and international trade settlements. Although the average person rarely handled $20 gold pieces, their production played a critical role in the gold-backed economic framework of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, Liberty Head double eagles remain one of the most collected and studied series in American numismatics. The 1900 issue, in particular, represents the economic vitality of the Gilded Age and the United States’ increasing role on the global financial stage. The coin's centennial date also makes it especially popular with collectors of key historical transition pieces. When certified by PCGS and graded MS64+, the 1900 Liberty offers collectors a premium example of the type that combines strong eye appeal, rarity in high grade, and excellent long-term value potential. These certified coins also provide security and liquidity, particularly for buyers investing in gold through numismatics.
In conclusion, the Certified 1900 $20 Liberty Head Gold Double Eagle in PCGS MS64+ condition is an extraordinary specimen of American coinage excellence. Its combination of historical importance, classical design by James B. Longacre, and high-grade preservation make it a standout piece in any advanced U.S. gold collection. With nearly a full ounce of gold, brilliant surfaces, and superior eye appeal, this coin encapsulates both the artistry and economic narrative of America at the turn of the century. Whether for the collector of pre-1933 gold, the student of U.S. history, or the investor in certified precious metal coinage, the 1900 MS64+ Liberty double eagle represents the best of all worlds in a single, majestic coin.