What is the value of an 1879 US 20 dollar gold piece?

Answer 1

Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter below the eagle. It may be blank or there may be a CC, O or S.

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 07/2010:

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

Moderately worn - $1,510

Slightly worn - $1,570

Almost no wear - $1,698

Uncirculated - $2,130 to $18,230 depending on quality

"CC" mint mark (Carson City):

Very worn - $1,560

Moderately worn - $1,970

Slightly worn - $2,410

Almost no wear - $14,812

Uncirculated - $35,750 to $53,950

"O" mint mark (New Orleans):

Very worn - $5,600

Moderately worn - $13,130

Slightly worn - $23,130

Almost no wear - $56,684

Uncirculated - $102,050 to $182,250

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):

Very worn - $1,490

Moderately worn - $1,510

Slightly worn - $1,570

Almost no wear - $1,670

Uncirculated - $2,030 to $43,880

August 13, 2009 The 1879 Double Eagle [$20] coin was minted at 4 US Mint facilities: Philadelphia which is shown as 1879-P in this list, Carson City which is shown as 1879-CC in this list, New Orleans which is shown as 1879-O in this list and San Francisco which is shown as 1879-S in this list. To determine which coin you have it will be necessary to locate the mint mark. This mark is a small letter and is located on the reverse side of the coin just below the eagle. The letters "CC" are for Carson City. The letter "O" is for New Orleans. The letter "S" is for San Francisco. If there is no letter the coin was minted at Philadelphia. The values for these coin in "AU" condition are shown in the following list: Circulated Grade..........1879-P.............1879-CC............1879-O............1879-S AU55.............................$1,750.............$20,000...........$62,500............$1,900