$20 Liberty Gold, Proof

Early in 1849 Chief Engraver James B. Longacre designed the new gold dollar coin that was authorized by the Act of March 3. He then worked on the double eagle, finishing in early 1850. The unique 1849 pattern piece resides in the Smithsonian. The 1861 reverse design by Anthony C. Paquet was withdrawn soon after being struck. Very few pieces are known. Proof examples of $20 Liberty double eagles are rare and valuable. As with other U.S. gold issues, coins struck prior to 1856 are extremely rare.