One of the rarest denominations of U.S. coinage, Twenty Cent pieces were minted from 1875 through 1878. However, for the years 1877 and 1878, only proofs were struck, leaving only 2 years during which there was production for general circulation.

The reason given in Congress for the introduction of the coin was that there was a presumed need in the western U.S. for a coin denomination to aid making change in silver. Others have speculated that the coin was a favor to silver-mining interests, to soak up excess production of that metal.

This coin, which was similar in design, size and weight to the Quarter Dollar coins of the period, never really caught on, and was soon abandoned. Apart from the silver mining lobbyists in Washington D.C., the coin was unpopular with the public, which found it confusing.

The Design

The obverse of the Twenty Cent coins depict a seated Liberty figure holding a staff in her left hand, topped with a liberty cap. Her right hand rests on a shield on which the word "LIBERTY" is written diagonally, in raised lettering. Thirteen stars surround the figure, with the date below the figure. The low relief of these coins causes even light wear to seriously degrade elements of the design on both sides. The features on the head, liberty cap, lettering on the shield, and high points on the drapery wear away quickly.

The reverse depicts an eagle with outspread wings, holding three arrows in one talon, and an olive branch in the other. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," enclosed by a star on each side of the phrase, lie below the rim and above the eagle. The words "TWENTY CENTS" appear below the talons. For those coins minted in San Francisco (S) and Carson City (CC), a mint mark appears just below where arrows and olive branch cross. The low-relief reverse is also subject to quick wear, but the finely detailed feathers and legs on the eagle more readily allow detecting degrees of wear, and are important for grading coin condition. Many Carson City pieces are weakly struck, which particularly affects the high points on the reverse.

The edge of the coin is plain (non-reeded), and its diameter is 22.5 mm. The weight of an undamaged Twenty Cent piece should be exactly 5 grams (90% silver and 10% copper).

Mintage Figures...

• 1875 (P): 36,900-39,700
• 1875 (P - proof): 2700
• 1875 (S): 1,155,000
• 1875 (S - proof): estimates of 6-7 known
• 1875 (CC): 133,290
• 1876 (P): 14,750
• 1876 (P - proof): 1150
• 1876 (CC): approx. 10,000 (not released, 18-20 are estimated to have escaped remelting)
• 1877 (P - proof): 350-510
• 1878 (P - proof): 600

(figures for proofs are approximate)

Prices have soared in recent years. Higher prices have also reportedly attracted counterfeiters, and reproductions are known.

All-in-all, the U.S. Twenty Cent coin is a somewhat unattractive design with a bizarre history. But it is a must-have for those who collect specimens from each type of coin minted. The prices reflect that demand, added to its very short life as a coin type, the relatively small number produced (many of which were melted down), its tendency to wear quickly, and the coin's unpopularity.

Other subjects on which I've written recent Guides...
Other Collectible Coins
Gemstones

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