The discovery of gold in California in 1848 and the ensuing Gold Rush turned out to be a blessing to coin collectors. Due to the overflow of gold that began pouring into Philadelphia, Congress authorized the United States Mint to create a $20 gold coin on March 3, 1849. The most recognizable and highly esteemed coin of its day, the $20 Liberty, also referred to as a $20 Coronet, remained in production until 1907 when the United States Mint began releasing the $20 Saint Gaudens. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse of the $20 Liberty gold coin features Miss Liberty wearing a crown inscribed with the word “Liberty”. Thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies and the date encircle her.
