Protecting Your 1870 Liberty Head Double Eagle: A Conservationist’s Guide
March 8, 2026Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy 1870 $20 Liberty Head Without Getting Ripped Off
March 8, 2026
Introduction: The Artisan’s Eye
Every coin tells a story, but not every coin deserves to be silenced by the jeweler’s saw. As a coin ring artisan, I’ve learned to recognize which pieces possess both the physical properties and aesthetic merit worthy of transformation. Today, we’ll examine the 1870 Liberty Head Double Eagle and determine if this golden relic deserves a second life as wearable art.
Understanding the 1870 Liberty Head Double Eagle
The 1870 Liberty Head Double Eagle represents a fascinating chapter in American numismatics. These twenty-dollar gold coins were struck during America’s post-Civil War economic expansion, containing approximately 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. With a weight of 33.44 grams and a diameter of 34mm, these coins embody both substantial heft and classic American design.
Metal Composition and Working Properties
The gold-copper alloy creates an ideal material for jewelry crafting. Gold provides the rich, warm color and precious metal value that collectors covet, while copper adds strength and hardness. This 22-karat gold composition (0.900 fine) offers several advantages that make it particularly suited for transformation:
- Excellent malleability for precise shaping into rings
- Resistance to tarnishing compared to silver coins
- Durable enough for daily wear without significant wear
- Maintains its luster over decades of ownership
Working Properties
The alloy’s hardness rating of approximately 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale creates the perfect balance for crafting. It’s softer than silver but harder than pure gold, meaning it can be cold-worked without cracking. This allows for precise shaping while maintaining structural integrity throughout the crafting process.
Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal
The Liberty Head Double Eagle features James B. Longacre’s classic design with Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY.” The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. These design elements create visual interest that translates beautifully into wearable art.
Date Position Variations
As discussed in collector forums, the position of the date varies significantly between dies. Some 1870 examples show the “1” touching Liberty’s neck, while others maintain more traditional spacing. This variation adds character to each coin and creates unique visual interest in finished pieces, making no two rings exactly alike.
Mint Mark Considerations
The 1870 Double Eagle was minted in both Philadelphia (no mint mark) and San Francisco (“S” mint mark). The San Francisco examples often show more refined details, including the mint mark position. Both varieties offer excellent crafting potential, though the “S” mint mark adds an extra layer of historical significance for California gold rush enthusiasts.
Authentication and Quality Assessment
Before crafting, authentication is crucial. Key indicators of genuine 1870 Double Eagles include:
- Correct weight of 33.44 grams
- Proper diameter of 34mm
- Sharp, well-defined details in high relief areas
- Appropriate wear patterns for circulated coins
The date position variation, while unusual, is not indicative of counterfeit status. Each working die was individually dated, resulting in natural variations that make these coins fascinating to study.
Crafting Considerations
For coin ring creation, the 1870 Double Eagle offers several advantages that make it an ideal candidate for transformation.
Size and Proportion
The 34mm diameter provides ample material for rings sizes 8-14, with larger sizes possible through stretching techniques. The 2mm thickness offers substantial material for creating substantial, comfortable bands that feel luxurious on the finger.
Design Preservation
The coin’s edge lettering (“E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on later issues) can be preserved or incorporated into the ring design. The Liberty head detail remains visible even after forming, creating a conversation piece that honors the coin’s original artistry.
Finishing Options
Gold’s natural properties allow for various finishes that enhance the ring’s character:
- High polish for a mirror-like shine that catches the light
- Satin finish for a more subdued, sophisticated look
- Antiquing to highlight design details and create depth
Market Value and Investment Potential
While the 1870 Double Eagle’s date position variation doesn’t command a premium among collectors, the gold content provides inherent value. Current gold prices, combined with the coin’s numismatic appeal, make it an excellent candidate for crafting. The intrinsic value of the gold ensures your creation will always maintain its worth.
Cost Considerations
The value of gold content typically ranges from $1,700-$2,000 depending on market conditions. Higher-grade examples or those with significant numismatic value may cost more but offer better detail preservation and superior final results.
Conclusion: A Worthy Crafting Candidate
The 1870 Liberty Head Double Eagle proves to be an excellent candidate for coin ring crafting. Its gold-copper alloy provides the perfect balance of workability and durability, while the classic design elements translate beautifully into wearable art. Whether you choose a Philadelphia or San Francisco example, each coin offers unique characteristics that make the final piece truly one-of-a-kind.
For collectors considering this transformation, remember that while the crafting process creates something new and beautiful, it does alter the coin’s original state. Always ensure you’re working with common-date examples rather than rare varieties, and consider having valuable pieces authenticated before beginning any modification work. The best pieces to transform are those that are common enough to be ethically crafted but rare enough to carry historical significance.
Related Resources
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