Liberty Head $20 gold double eagle (1850–1907) melt value
The Liberty Head double eagle is a US $20 gold coin made from 1850 to 1907. It is 90% gold and holds almost one troy ounce of pure gold. Like other pre-1933 US gold, it often sells above its melt value, and coins from the New Orleans (O) and Carson City (CC) mints, scarce dates and coins in top condition can be worth far more, so check with a coin dealer before selling one for its gold. Here's what the gold inside is worth at today's live price.
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How do I know if my liberty head $20 gold double eagle is gold?
The front shows Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet with the word LIBERTY, surrounded by 13 stars. The back shows a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest. It measures 34 mm across and weighs about 33.4 grams. There are three types: coins from 1850 to 1866 have no motto and read "TWENTY D." on the back; from 1866 to 1876 "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears in the oval above the eagle; from 1877 to 1907 the denomination reads "TWENTY DOLLARS". Branch-mint coins have a small O, S, CC or D mint mark below the eagle; Philadelphia coins have none. The 1854-O, 1856-O and 1870-CC are great rarities. The later Saint-Gaudens double eagle (1907–1933) shows Liberty striding forward instead.
Why does a dealer pay less than melt value?
Dealers need room to cover refining, shipping and resale costs, so most pay a percentage of melt value for common-date coins.
Is it legal to melt coins?
US rules prohibit melting one-cent and five-cent coins. That rule does not cover dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars or bullion coins. Most people sell coins whole to a dealer rather than melting them.