Description
This, the largest denomination of all regular issue U.S. coins, was authorized by an Act of Congress in 1849. The huge amount of gold being produced out West allowed the minting of larger denomination gold coins, and this $20 Gold Double Eagle became one of the most useful of all gold issues. Especially in the earlier years of issue, a single Gold Double Eagle represented a typical monthly wage for an average worker. In 1866 the motto In God We Trust was added to the reverse above the eagle, though both Motto and No Motto varieties were produced in that same year. This series was struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco and Carson City mints.