1897 $20 NGC PF64+ Ultra Cameo

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the tail end of the 19th century, this proof-only Liberty Head $20 coin is part of a mintage of just 86 pieces. This era of double eagles is distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship, with meticulous die polishing and repeated strikes producing coins of remarkable clarity and visual contrast. The 1897 issue is especially rare in Ultra Cameo finish.

Obverse: Features Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. The fields are deeply mirrored, and the frosted devices in PF64+ UCAM stand out dramatically against the black-mirror background.

Reverse: Depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching arrows and an olive branch. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY DOLLARS encircle the design, with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST in a ribbon above. In Ultra Cameo, this reverse radiates with strong frost on the eagle and legends.

The NGC PF64+ Ultra Cameo grade signals a near-gem specimen with deeply frosted design elements and strong reflectivity, placing it among the best surviving examples. Fewer than 30–40 1897 proof double eagles are estimated to exist in all grades, and Ultra Cameo specimens are exceedingly scarce