Liberty Head Double Eagles
The double eagle was a new gold denomination created by the Coinage Act of 1849. The coins would carry a value of $20, the highest for a U.S. coin at the time and double the value of the eagle, which was created by the Coinage Act of 1792. The higher denomination was desired to strike the massive amounts of gold discovered in California into coin.
The Liberty Gold Double Eagle was designed by James B. Longacre. The new design was first struck in 1849 (a unique pattern coin) and produced for circulation starting in 1850. The obverse features the head of Liberty facing left with thirteen stars surrounding. The reverse features a modified version of the heraldic eagle with two scrolls. A circle of thirteen stars appears above with inscriptions around the entire design.
The coins were struck in 90% gold and 10% copper. Each coin contains .96750 ounces of pure gold. During the course of the series, which last more than half a century, coins were struck at Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco.
Liberty Head Double Eagle Coin Specifications
| Dates: | 1850-1907 |
| Mints: | Philadelphia |
| Carson City | |
| Denver | |
| New Orleans | |
| San Francisco | |
| Composition: | 90% gold |
| 10% copper | |
| Weight: | 34.29 grams |
| 1.07 ounces | |
| Diameter: | 34.29 mm |
| 1.35 inches |