1876 Twenty Cent Piece Ex Jewelry

Description

This 1876 Twenty Cent Piece is a true treasure. Even with it’s bezel marks on the reverse rim from being ex jewelry. The twenty cent coin was struck from 1875 to 1878. 1877 and 88 were only struck in a proof variety and not for circulation. In reality, it’s series was no longer than two years. It’s nearness to the quarter in size caused confusion and it’s demise. The 1875 is the easiest to obbtain as 1.15 million were minted in San Francisco, 38,500 in Philadelphia and 133,290 in Carson City. The 1876 is much rarer as only 14,750 were made in Philly and 10,000 in Carson City. The proof coins are rarer still and made in very small numbers. All four years of proof coins add up to a total of 2460.

This example was at one time in a bezel or other jewelry as the reverse rim marks prove. Still it is a beauty of a rare coin, toned in browns, greens and blues from the outer rim toward the center, possibly from contact with a bezel of a different composition.  Liberty is complete if weak and the eagle’s wings are complete. I give it VF25 net.