Description
1861 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle CACG MS62
PCGS # 8932
Grading Service CACG
Grade MS62
Mint Location Philadelphia
Year 1861
Designation
Strike Business
Grade Add On
1861 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle CACG MS62
1861 $20
SKU: 754436980
A coveted Civil War–era gold type coin, this 1861 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the tumultuous opening year of the conflict. Certified MS62 by CAC Grading (CACG) and approved by CAC for quality within the grade, it offers strong eye appeal and originality that will resonate with serious collectors and discerning buyers alike.
Designed by James B. Longacre, the Type I Liberty Head Double Eagle (No Motto) is a foundational classic in U.S. numismatics. Although many 1861 Philadelphia twenties were exported or later melted, Mint State examples remain scarce relative to the issue’s original output—especially with CAC approval, which affirms above-average quality for the assigned grade. Expect satiny luster, bold detail in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s shield, and the scattered marks typical of the MS62 tier, with no major distractions.
Why this coin stands out
Civil War year date from the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark)
Type I “No Motto” design, a key subtype for any Liberty Head Double Eagle set
CACG-certified MS62 with CAC approval, signaling premium quality for the grade
Scarce and desirable in Mint State, combining historical importance with collectibility
Specifications
Date/Denomination: 1861 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle
Mint: Philadelphia
Type: Liberty Head, Type I (No “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto)
Grade: MS62, CAC Grading (CAC-approved)
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Actual Gold Weight (AGW): 0.9675 troy oz
Weight/Diameter: 33.44 g; 34 mm
Edge: Reeded
Obverse/Reverse: Liberty with coronet; heraldic eagle with shield and “TWENTY D.”
Collector note: The 1861 Philadelphia Double Eagle is a cornerstone for Civil War gold type sets. In MS62 with CAC approval, it balances historical gravitas, visual appeal, and market liquidity—an excellent choice for both advanced numismatists and buyers seeking a blue-chip U.S. gold classic.
Secure this CAC-approved MS62 Double Eagle today and add a piece of 19th-century American history to your collection.