Designed by: James Barton Longacre
Issue Dates: 1866-1876
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 33.43 grams (515.99 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 16,160,758
Proof Mintage: 335
In 1866 the reverse of the Coronet or Liberty Head style was modified by adding the motto IN GOD WE TRUST within the circle of stars above the eagle. This motto was continued from this point forward. The type minted from 1866 through 1876 is defined by the combination of the IN GOD WE TRUST motto with the denomination below expressed as TWENTY D. In 1877 the denomination was expressed differently, thus isolating the earlier issues as a distinct type. Production was continuous at the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints. Carson City coins were produced beginning in 1870, with 1870-CC being a rarity today.
The type set collector can readily obtain examples of commoner issues in grades from Very Fine to Extremely Fine or AU. Uncirculated pieces are quite scarce, and superb Uncirculated coins are exceedingly rare. Proofs are very rare.
