The Liberty Seated Twenty Cent coin series, minted between 1875 and 1878, represents a short-lived yet intriguing chapter in American numismatic history. Known for its unusual denomination, this U.S. Mint coin series stands out for its rarity and historical significance. This article explores the detailed history of the Liberty Seated Twenty Cent coin, its mintages, and its rarity.
The idea behind the Liberty Seated Twenty Cent coin was to simplify monetary transactions, particularly in the Western United States, where the Spanish real, worth 12.5 cents, was still in circulation. To address the confusion and inconvenience of dealing with fractional coins, the U.S. Congress authorized the minting of the Twenty Cent piece in 1875. Designed by the fifth U.S. Mint Chief Engraver William Barber, the coin's obverse featured a modified version of the Christian Gobrecht (third Chief Engraver) Liberty Seated design, which had already been used on other U.S. silver coins. The coin was struck from .900 fine silver, with a weight of 5 grams and a diameter of 22 mm.
The obverse of the Liberty Seated Twenty Cent coin showcases Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in her left hand and a pole topped with a liberty cap in her right. Thirteen stars encircle the design, representing the original thirteen colonies, with the date positioned below. The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY CENTS." The edge of the coin is intentionally plain, distinguishing it from the reeded edges of other coins to prevent confusion with the Quarter Dollar.
Coin images sourced from: Heritage Auctions
The first year of issue saw the highest mintages, with the San Francisco Mint producing the majority of the coins. Despite the relatively large numbers minted, the coins saw limited circulation due to their similarity in size and design to the Quarter Dollar, leading to confusion among the public.
By 1876, it became clear that the Twenty Cent piece was not fulfilling its intended purpose. Production was significantly reduced, and the Carson City Mint produced only a small number of coins before discontinuing the series entirely.
In 1877, the Philadelphia Mint produced a limited number of proof coins for collectors, marking the end of regular production. These Proof coins are highly prized by collectors due to their rarity and exceptional quality.
The final year of the series saw the production of a few more proof coins at the Philadelphia Mint, with only 600 pieces struck. These coins, like those from 1877, are highly sought after by collectors.
The Liberty Seated Twenty Cent coin series is known for its scarcity, particularly in higher grades. The 1875-CC and 1876-CC issues are especially rare and command premium prices in the market. For example, a MS65 graded 1876-CC coin sold for $564,000 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in January 2013. The proof-only issues of 1877 and 1878 are considered the pinnacle of the series, with very few examples available to collectors. The combination of low mintages, limited circulation, and historical significance makes the Liberty Seated Twenty Cent coins a fascinating and valuable addition to any numismatic collection.
The Liberty Seated Twenty Cent coin series may have had a brief run, but its impact on American coinage is undeniable. These coins provide a glimpse into the challenges and innovations of the U.S. Mint in the late 19th century. Collectors treasure these coins not only for their rarity but also for their historical value. At Bullion Hunters, we are committed to helping collectors explore and acquire exciting pieces of American numismatic history. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about adding extraordinary historic coins to your collection.