1904 Double Eagle, Liberty Head Gold Coin

March 22, 2010 by Carl Finegold
Filed under Gold Coins

The 1904 Double Eagle Libery Head is part of the "Liberty Head, with motto, value "Twenty Dollars" 1877–1907" Gold Coin family. This is just 1 of 3 groups that was produced for the Liberty Head Double Eagle Gold Coins.

Liberty Head (Coronet) 1849–1907

Liberty Head, no motto, value "Twenty D." 1849–1866
Liberty Head, with motto, value "Twenty D." 1866–1876
Liberty Head, with motto, value "Twenty Dollars" 1877–1907

Due to the less desirable artwork and therefore lower demand, Liberty Coronet $20 gold pieces are less often encountered, and the common subtype commands less, than the St. Gaudens' type. In 1866, the motto "In God We Trust" was added to the Liberty Coronet double eagle creating a second subtype. In 1877, the coin's denomination design on the reverse was changed from "Twenty D" to "Twenty Dollars" creating a third and final subtype for the series. An 1879 pattern coin was made for the quintuple stella using a design combining features of the Liberty head double eagle and stella pattern coin and using the same alloy as the stella (90 parts gold, 3 parts silver, and 7 parts copper). However this coin was suddenly stolen in July 2008 by two thieves. The robbery was planned a year after the coin was sold. The criminals have still not been caught and the locations of these men are unknown.

The 1904 Gold Coin Double Eagle is a very common coin based on the availability in the marketplace. This coin is often used by toll free gold coin numismatic companies to sell to newer clients in the gold coin collecting and investing arena. Typically the coins are MS62 and you can upgrade for MS63+ for a different and higher fee.

While - I think that gold dealers are less than forth coming with their information - it is always up to the buyer to make sure that they are getting a good deal - so diligence is a key! If you are seeking an entry level coin - the 1904 Double Eagle is a solid start to any collection or investment. I typically never buy lower than MS63 and my personal preference are PCGS graded coins - only because most of my collection is made up of PCGS and I have very nice boxes to store their cases in.