Coin and Paper Money Collecting/$20.00 gold coin

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Expert: - 11/9/2009


Question

Hi,

I have inherited an 1856 twenty dollar gold piece. The front of it fits the desctiption given on this site, but on the back,it does not say In God We Trust in the oval of stars above the eagle. It is stamped S below the eagle, and the word TWENTY D is on the bottom. It appears to me to be in mint condition, with all markings and edges clearly readable and with little wear, but I'm not a coin collector, so I may be wrong. Can you please help me identify and find its value? I really appreciate any help you can give me! Thanks,    Lynn  

Answer
Lynn,

The "IN GOD WE TRUST" was not added to the $20 gold pieces until 1866, so it's normal for your 1856-S not to have it.

You can find stats and pictures of your coin here :

http://www.coinfacts.com/double_eagles/liberty_no_motto_double_eagles/1856s_doub...

That particular date is considered relatively common, with almost 1.2 million minted.  In very lightly circulated condition, its current value is about $1300.00

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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