1877-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NTC MS63

Key Features:

• Obverse:
  • The obverse features Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet (crown) inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars surround her, representing the original thirteen colonies. The year “1877” appears below her.
• Reverse:
  • The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and strength. Above the eagle is a banner with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” (added in 1866). The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.” surround the design.
• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper.
• Gold Content: 0.9675 troy ounces of gold.
• Diameter: 34 mm.
• Weight: 33.44 grams.

Grade:

• NTC MS63 (Mint State 63):
  • An MS63 grade indicates that the coin is in uncirculated condition, meaning it has no wear from circulation but may exhibit a few noticeable bag marks or surface abrasions, typical of the minting and storage process.
  • Coins graded MS63 will have strong luster and eye appeal but will show minor imperfections when viewed closely. For a Double Eagle, this grade reflects a coin that is relatively well-preserved given its age and the era in which it was minted.

Historical Context:

• The Liberty Head Double Eagle was introduced in 1849, during the California Gold Rush, when large quantities of gold were discovered and mined. The $20 denomination allowed for efficient use of the large amounts of gold being circulated.
• The 1877-S Double Eagle was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which played a crucial role in producing gold coins using California gold. By 1877, the mint was well-established as a primary hub for gold coin production.

Mintage & Rarity:

• Mintage: The 1877-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle had a mintage of 1,735,000 coins, which makes it a relatively common issue for the Liberty Head Double Eagle series. However, finding examples in higher grades like MS63 is more challenging due to the coin’s age and the fact that many were used in circulation or melted down over the years.
• Rarity in MS63: While the 1877-S is not a rare date in lower grades, it becomes more desirable in Mint State grades like MS63, as many of these coins saw circulation or were shipped overseas and melted for their gold content. Collectors seek out well-preserved examples of these large gold coins, especially in higher grades.

Market Appeal:

• Coins like the 1877-S $20 Liberty Head graded MS63 are highly collectible due to their historical importance and gold content. As a gold coin, the Liberty Head Double Eagle is valuable for its precious metal content alone, but its historical and numismatic value makes it even more attractive to collectors and investors.
• The NTC (Numistrust Corporation) grading can be a point of consideration. While not as well-regarded as major grading companies like PCGS or NGC, an NTC MS63 still provides an indication of the coin’s uncirculated status and overall quality.

Conclusion:

The 1877-S $20 Liberty Head NTC MS63 is an impressive piece of U.S. monetary history, with both its substantial gold content and its status as a collectible numismatic item. The MS63 grade indicates that it is a well-preserved, uncirculated example with good luster and only minor imperfections. This coin offers a great opportunity for collectors interested in U.S. gold coinage from the 19th century, as well as for investors looking for a tangible asset with historical value.