20-Cent Pieces, Proof (1875-1878)

Proof versions of the 20 cent coin were issued for the brief period these coins were struck, from 1875 through 1878. While the "double dime," designed by William Barber, proved quite unpopular with much of the public, proofs were struck by the Philadelphia Mint during each of the four years the denomination was in production.

In 1877 and 1878, the last two years the 20 cent series was struck, only proofs were made, with 510 of the former date and 600 of the latter. Today, the 1877 and 1878 proof-only 20 cent coin are highly scarce and valuable, as they are sought after by collectors who wish to assemble date runs of the short-lived series. The 1875 and 1876 proofs, with 1,150 of the earlier and 1,200 of the latter, are the most common proof specimens.

Cameo and deep cameo proofs as well as pieces with brilliant fields are the scarcest proofs and command strong premiums over standard prices. However, all proof 20 cent coins are scarce and treasured numismatic relics.