1876 20C PCGS PF65. 1876 Liberty Seated Twenty-Cent Piece. Designed by William Barber, the Twenty-Cent piece was a short-lived and failed experiment created by the Act of March 3, 1875. The public quickly rejected use of the coin based on its similar size and design in relation to the highly popular quarter. Circulation strikes and proofs were minted at San Francisco, Carson City, and Philadelphia in 1875. Lack of demand resulted in vastly reduced numbers being struck in 1876. Only a small quantity of proofs were produced in 1877 and 1878 with none released for circulation. Though the denomination was a failure in its day, the coins themselves are highly prized by modern numismatists.

The gem proof specimen offered here is one of just 1,260 struck in 1876. The strike is superb and precisely what one would expect for the grade. The silky smooth fields have beautifully toned over the years in medium violet and lavender hues. Taken as a whole, this is a rare and spectacular piece with extraordinary eye appeal certain to make it the centerpiece of an elite collection.