1895 Double Eagle (1895 $20) NGC MS60. Mint luster shimmers across the legends and devices of this mint state 1895 Double Eagle. Were in not for very light abrasion on both sides and a couple of alloy marks on the obverse, this coin would have had a much higher mint state grade. The coin is well struck on both sides with all of the design features apparent. The 1895 double eagle is a Type 3 coin for this design.

In 1866 the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the oval of stars on the reverse in response to political pressure that our coins were Godless. James Longacre, the coin’s designer, added the motto at the behest of Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase. The originator of the idea was the Reverend M.R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania. Longacre only had to enlarge the oval to accommodate the motto without disrupting the whole design. In 1877 the denomination was changed from TWENTY D. to TWENTY DOLLARS. William Barber, Longacre’s successor after his death, made the change.

Because of its large mintage, the 1895 double eagle is an ideal coin for a gold type set. It would also be appropriate in a type set of uncirculated coins. This is the only MS60 graded 1895 Double Eagle that has been approved by CAC ( Collectors Acceptance Corp ) as of 3/11/11.