Grading US CoinsLearn to grade U.S. coins accurately and responsibly

Double Eagle ($20)

Here you will find the basics for identifying this coin. Our full grading guide for it, the high points to check, common problems, and what to watch for, is still being researched. We add that detail only once we have checked it against trusted sources, so it is not on this page yet.

At a glance

DenominationGold
Common nameDouble eagle
Years issued1849–1933
DesignerJames B. Longacre / Augustus Saint-Gaudens
EraClassic U.S. gold (1795–1933)
Skill levelAdvanced

What it looks like

A reference photo for identification. Click to enlarge. This is an example coin, not a graded specimen.

Obverse & reverse 1877 Liberty Head $20 double eagle, Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection (obverse and reverse). Example only, not professionally graded. (click to enlarge)

Want this guide sooner? The cross-cutting grading basics and how-to-grade lessons apply to every U.S. coin.