Expert: Brad Swain - 1/12/2010

Question
I saw a $20.00 gold coin. it had full lady liberty on the front and an eagle on the back. It was a 1915. Can you tell me what a good price for it would be? It has been in circulation. Also saw a 1922 one like it. Also one other, with a liberty face only on the front, 1907. Thanks.

Answer
Hi John, Liberty Head 'Double Eagle' ($20) coins were minted 1849-1907. After that, the St. Gaudens (named after the designer) $20 coins were minted 1907-33.
Collector value of a coin depends on denomination (face value), date, mint mark (if any), number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning as well as collector demand for it.
Both these types should weigh 33.436 grams and would contain .9677 of an ounce of gold.
U.S. coin prices for professionally graded coins: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/
and ungraded coins: http://www.bestcoin.com/united-states-coin-pricing-guide.htm .
Ungraded coins (raw) are worth less depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Guidebook of United States Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad