1879-O Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle 

The 1879-O Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle is a significant coin struck at the New Orleans Mint. It's part of a series that played a crucial role in American commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

On the obverse, you'll find the Coronet Head design featuring Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." 

Surrounding her are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, and below her is the year "1879." 

The reverse depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing America's readiness for war and desire for peace.  

Above the eagle is the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," and below it is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Additionally, the denomination "TWENTY DOLLARS" is inscribed. 

The "O" mint mark indicates that the coin was minted in New Orleans. Coins from this mint often have a unique allure for collectors due to their association with the American South and the history of the New Orleans Mint. 

The 1879-O Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle holds both historical significance and numismatic value, making it sought after by collectors. Its worth is influenced by factors such as its condition, rarity, and demand in the numismatic market. 

The 1879-O Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle carries with it not just the weight of its gold content, but also a rich historical narrative of the post-Civil War era in the United States.  

Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin reflects the economic growth and expansion that characterized the late 19th century. 

In the mid-20th century, the clandestine appearance of some 1933 Double Eagles sparked legal disputes and investigations. One notable case involved the United States Secret Service tracking down and seizing ten of these coins from a British coin dealer, Stephen Fenton, in 1996.  

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