Liberty Head Double Eagle Commemorative Gilt Silver Round
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Medallion) · Modern private mint (e.g., American Mint or National Collector's Mint). This is a modern reproduction/tribute piece, not a product of the US Mint.
Pattern: 1861 Liberty Head (Coronet) Tribute Collection
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Medallion)
Maker
Modern private mint (e.g., American Mint or National Collector's Mint). This is a modern reproduction/tribute piece, not a product of the US Mint.
Material
Likely Silver-Plated Copper or .925 Sterling Silver with 24k Gold Overlay (Vermeil). The high-luster yellow finish indicates gold electroplating over a base metal or silver core.
Dimensions
Estimated 39mm to 40mm diameter. Typical weight for silver-plated tribute rounds is approximately 31.1 grams (1 troy ounce) or 27 grams if base metal.
Description
This striking medallion is a commemorative tribute to the 1861 Double Eagle, one of the most iconic gold coins of the American Civil War. It features a stunning 24k gold finish over a silver or base metal core, replicating the original design by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre. The obverse depicts Lady Liberty with a coronet inscribed 'LIBERTY', surrounded by a halo of stars. This piece captures the numismatic beauty of rare Americana at a fraction of the cost of an original $20 gold piece.
Key Features
Proof-like mirror surfaces, 24k gold gilding, 1861 date, and 13-star border. It is distinguished from an original by its surface texture and modern striking quality.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-Plated Copper or .925 Sterling Silver with 24k Gold Overlay (Vermeil). The high-luster yellow finish indicates gold electroplating over a base metal or silver core.
Finish & Decoration
Proof-like finish with frosted relief (cameo effect) on a mirror-polished field. Features the 'Coronet Liberty' profile facing left, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1861' on obverse. Purity marks (e.g., '.925' or 'Copy') are likely on the rim or reverse side, which is not visible. Standard US currency denominations like 'Twenty Dollars' are usually absent or modified on such tributes to avoid counterfeiting laws.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using modern high-pressure dies. The perfectly circular shape and precise dentils on the rim indicate modern industrial minting techniques.
Functional Features
Non-functional currency. Designed as a collectible display piece or investment round. No legal tender status.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge (milled) for grip and to prevent clipping, though on modern tributes this is purely aesthetic.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-struck with robotic polishing. The level of detail in Liberty's hair highlights high-quality modern engraving and finishing standards.
Authentication Indicators
The high mirror finish and sharpness of the '1861' date are characteristic of modern commemorative rounds. An original 1861 gold coin would have a distinct luster, different weight (33.4g), and characteristic die markers not present in modern tributes.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, private minting facility using die-striking manufacturing traditions aimed at the collector market.
Era & Period
Contemporary (20th/21st Century) production modeled after the 1861 Civil War era design by James B. Longacre.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990–2020. The 'proof' quality and lack of historical wear indicate modern manufacture.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the enduring American fascination with Civil War-era currency and the 'Gold Rush' legacy. These pieces democratize numismatic history for casual collectors.
Condition Notes
Excellent to Mint condition. Very light handling marks visible in the fields; no significant tarnish or wear to the gold plating. Structure is perfectly intact.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD if sterling silver core; $5 - $10 USD if gold-plated copper/brass.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use abrasive polishes. Clean only with a soft microfiber cloth or warm soapy water if necessary. Store in an acrylic capsule to prevent the thin gold plating from wearing or the silver core from tarnishing.
Similar Pieces
Original 1861 $20 Gold Double Eagle (solid gold, high value), generic 1oz silver rounds, and copper-nickel plated base metal tributes.
Interesting Facts
The original 1861 Double Eagle is famous for the 'Paquet Reverse' variety, which is one of the rarest US gold coins. These silver-gilt tributes are popular items sold via television shopping networks and mail-order catalogs.