-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 33626
Checkout
The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1900-S MS63 PCGS is a stunning representative of late 19th- and early 20th-century American gold coinage, struck during a time of industrial expansion and global influence for the United States. Also known as a Double Eagle, the $20 Liberty gold piece was first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1849 in response to the influx of gold from the California Gold Rush. The 1900-S issue, minted at the San Francisco Mint, reflects the immense economic vitality of the period and the critical role that West Coast gold production played in American monetary policy. Certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) as MS63, this example sits at the crossroads of premium condition, historical significance, and collector demand.
Designed by James B. Longacre, the Liberty Head or Coronet Head double eagle was introduced in 1850 and remained in production until 1907, when it was replaced by Augustus Saint-Gaudens' famous high-relief design. Longacre’s obverse features a classical portrayal of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is tied in a bun, with ringlets flowing down her neck, and the portrait is surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The date “1900” appears beneath her neck in a straight alignment, and on well-struck examples like this MS63, the fine detailing of Liberty’s facial features, hair, and coronet are sharp and distinct, unmarred by excessive wear or significant contact marks.
The reverse of the 1900-S $20 Liberty gold coin is equally striking, bearing a majestic heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Above the eagle’s head, a halo of stars surrounds the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which had been added to the design in 1866 following the turmoil of the Civil War. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves above the eagle, while the denomination “TWENTY DOLLARS” appears boldly at the bottom. In the field below the eagle is the mintmark “S,” identifying the San Francisco Mint as the coin’s place of origin. On a certified MS63 specimen, the reverse reveals well-defined feathers and shield lines, with exceptional clarity in the inscriptions and no major abrasions or distracting blemishes.
The San Francisco Mint was established in 1854 to process the massive amounts of gold flowing from California’s Sierra Nevada, and it quickly became the most prolific mint for gold coinage in the Western United States. The 1900-S $20 Liberty was struck in significant numbers, with a total mintage of 2,459,000 coins. Though not rare in absolute terms, the survival rate of Mint State examples, especially those with strong eye appeal and few marks, is considerably lower due to the heavy use of these coins in international trade and banking reserves. Many were melted down during later financial crises or in the 1930s following the recall of gold by Executive Order 6102, further reducing the population of high-grade survivors.
Certified Mint State 63 by PCGS, this coin falls into the lower spectrum of uncirculated grades, but it still offers collectors and investors a well-preserved and attractive specimen. MS63 coins exhibit full, unbroken luster, with original mint brilliance and sharp strike characteristics. They may have a few scattered contact marks or small abrasions, typically in the fields or on Liberty’s cheek and neck—the highest points of the obverse. However, these marks are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall beauty of the coin. The coin’s luster often displays vibrant cartwheel effects, and color ranges can vary from warm honey gold to deeper orange or rose-gold hues, depending on the planchet and storage conditions over the past century.
One of the key appeals of the 1900-S $20 Liberty in MS63 condition is its combination of affordability and quality. It presents a compelling entry point for those interested in high-grade pre-1933 U.S. gold coins without reaching into the more costly MS64 and MS65 territory, where premiums can rise sharply. MS63 coins remain accessible while offering a clear step up in sharpness and eye appeal compared to lower Mint State and circulated examples. As a certified piece by PCGS, one of the most respected third-party grading services, this coin comes with the assurance of authenticity, consistent grading, and secure encapsulation in a tamper-evident holder.
The economic context of the 1900-S double eagle adds further interest. The coin was minted at the dawn of the 20th century, a time when America was emerging as a global industrial and financial power. Gold coins like the double eagle were the backbone of international commerce, used in large banking transactions and overseas trade. As such, many of these coins saw distribution far beyond U.S. borders, with some being repatriated decades later by numismatists and bullion dealers. Their enduring role in global finance gives each surviving coin, especially one in Mint State, a story that extends beyond national boundaries, reflecting the interconnected economies of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The 1900-S double eagle is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, a standard alloy used in U.S. gold coins of the era to improve durability. It weighs 33.436 grams, containing 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold, and measures 34 millimeters in diameter. These specifications make the coin substantial in hand, both in size and intrinsic value. The reddish hue often seen on San Francisco Mint coins of this period is attributed to the copper alloy and unique minting conditions in the region. When well-preserved, as in this MS63 example, the coin's surfaces exhibit a glowing radiance that only century-old gold can produce.
Collectors and investors alike pursue certified 1900-S $20 Liberty coins for their blend of classic design, historical context, gold content, and market liquidity. MS63 examples, especially those with strong strikes and minimal bag marks, enjoy solid demand due to their relative scarcity compared to more common dates and their suitability for both long-term numismatic holdings and diversified gold portfolios. The Liberty Head design, which appeared on all U.S. gold denominations at the time, evokes a timeless sense of national identity and classical American artistry, making it a perennial favorite in the numismatic world.
The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1900-S MS63 PCGS encapsulates over 120 years of American history, monetary tradition, and aesthetic craftsmanship. From its origins at the San Francisco Mint to its modern-day certification and preservation, this coin stands as a testament to the enduring value of gold and the artistry of the United States Mint. Whether acquired as a cornerstone of a 19th-century type set, a hedge against inflation, or a beautiful relic of the American West’s golden age, this MS63 example offers collectors a chance to own a piece of America’s financial and cultural legacy in exceptional condition.