-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53190
Checkout
The Certified 1873 $20 Gold Liberty, Open 3 variety, graded AU Details by NGC, is a fascinating example of a coin from one of the most iconic and important U.S. gold coin series. Known as the Liberty Head Double Eagle, this coin was minted from 1850 to 1907 and played a significant role in American commerce and the nation’s gold standard. Designed by James B. Longacre, the $20 Liberty is a highly sought-after coin for collectors and investors alike, particularly due to its large gold content and its historical significance. The 1873 Open 3 variety refers to the distinct shape of the "3" in the date, which has an open loop at the top, differentiating it from the "Closed 3" variety minted earlier that year. In AU Details condition, this coin exhibits light wear but retains much of its original appeal and remains a valuable piece for collectors of U.S. gold coinage.
The obverse of the 1873 $20 Gold Liberty features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty, adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Liberty’s hair is intricately detailed, with curls cascading down her neck and a laurel wreath tucked into her hair. The design is surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original thirteen American colonies, with the date "1873" placed at the bottom. The Open 3 variety is notable for the open loop at the top of the "3" in the date, creating a visual distinction from the Closed 3 variety. In AU Details condition, the obverse shows light wear on Liberty’s face and hair, but the overall design remains clear and well-defined. The fields of the coin may exhibit some light contact marks or surface issues, typical of the AU Details grade, but these do not detract significantly from the overall appearance of the coin.
The reverse of the 1873 $20 Gold Liberty is equally impressive, featuring a majestic heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. Above the eagle is a ribbon bearing the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," and below the eagle is a shield. The reverse is framed by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY D." The design is a powerful symbol of America’s strength and unity during a period of rapid economic expansion and development. In AU Details condition, the reverse retains much of its original detail, with the eagle’s feathers and talons still sharp. Light wear may be visible on the highest points of the design, but the overall aesthetic remains intact, making the coin visually appealing despite its grade. The surfaces may show minor abrasions or evidence of cleaning, which accounts for the Details designation, but these factors do not obscure the coin’s historical and numismatic importance.
The Liberty Head Double Eagle was first introduced in 1850, following the California Gold Rush, which dramatically increased the availability of gold for coinage. The $20 denomination was created to accommodate the large amounts of gold being mined, and the Liberty Head design by James B. Longacre became a staple of American gold coinage. The coin was minted at multiple U.S. Mints, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans, and it became a widely circulated coin, particularly in the western United States. The Double Eagle was used for large financial transactions, both domestically and internationally, and it remains one of the most famous gold coins in American history.
The mintage of the 1873 $20 Gold Liberty, Open 3 variety, was part of the ongoing production of Double Eagles during the early 1870s, a period marked by significant economic growth in the United States. While the exact mintage of the Open 3 variety is not separately listed from the Closed 3 variety, the total mintage for all 1873 $20 Liberty coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint was 74,364. The Open 3 variety is more desirable for collectors due to its distinction from the earlier Closed 3 coins, and it holds a special place in the history of U.S. coinage. Coins from this era often saw heavy circulation, making higher-grade examples more difficult to find. While this AU Details coin has experienced some circulation and handling, it retains much of its original beauty and historical value.
The Liberty Head Double Eagle was minted during a transformative period in U.S. history, encompassing events such as the Civil War, the Reconstruction era, and the Gilded Age. The $20 Gold Liberty served as a symbol of the nation’s expanding wealth and influence, particularly as the United States grew into an economic powerhouse in the late 19th century. James B. Longacre’s design for the coin, with its classical representation of Liberty and the powerful eagle on the reverse, reflects the ideals of liberty, democracy, and strength that were central to the American identity at the time.
The Certified 1873 $20 Gold Liberty, Open 3 variety, graded AU Details by NGC, is a valuable and historically significant coin. While the AU Details grade reflects some surface issues or light wear, the coin retains much of its original design and appeal. Collectors of U.S. gold coinage prize the $20 Liberty for its large gold content, its beautiful design, and its connection to important moments in American history. The 1873 Open 3 variety adds an extra layer of intrigue, making this coin a desirable piece for numismatists interested in varieties and the historical context of U.S. gold coins. Whether collected for its gold content, its numismatic value, or its place in American history, this coin remains a prized artifact of the nation’s rich monetary legacy.