Lot 1673
1876 Twenty Cents. ANACS graded Proof 65. One of the most curious denominations ever hatched by Congress. Apparently the twenty cent piece was designed to help alleviate the shortage of half dimes and smaller change in the West. For reasons unknown, the branch mints did not strike cents or nickels until 1908 and 1912 respectively, and pitifully few half dimes and dimes were produced in Carson City during the 1870s. Many merchants in the West marked goods up to 10¢ or 15¢ owing to the lack of half dimes or minor coins. In an attempt to differentiate this from the quarter, the edge of twenty cent pieces was left plain, but confusion between this denomination and the quarter brought it to a merciful end after a few short years.
This particular coin has lovely antique gold toning in the fields, while the devices retain an abundance of frost. Boldly struck, and carefully crafted, as the Mint seemed to put on a good show for the centennial year of the United States. The fields and devices show few signs of contact, and this is a lovely gem example of this short-lived and now popular denomination.
Estimated Value $3,750 - 4,250.
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