subject: US 20 Cent Pieces Collection [print this page] US 20 Cent Pieces Collection US 20 Cent Pieces Collection
In one of the greatest numismatic debacles of all time, the U.S. government issued a 20-cent piece from 1875 to 1878. The 20-cent piece was only slightly smaller than a quarter dollar, and both coins shared a Seated Liberty design. Because of the similarities in size and design, the public had great difficulty in telling the two coins apart. This led to two losers in many transactions the people who thought they were offering a quarter when they really only had 20, and those who took the coin as a quarter and immediately lost 5 on the deal. As a result, the 20-cent piece didn't last long. The last coins for circulation were made in 1875 and 1876, and proof examples were made only through 1878.
The old adage "History repeats itself" came true in 1979, when the U.S. government introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar.
Collecting 20-cent pieces by type is easy because you have only one coin to buy!
By type:
Difficulty rating: Easy there's only one type.
Cost estimate: Affordable $125 for a Fine example and $650 for one in Uncirculated condition.
By date:
Difficulty rating: Extremely difficult. This series would be a piece of cake were it not for that darned 1876-CC, a classic U.S. rarity that will cost over $100,000.
Cost estimate: A complete set of Uncirculated and proof 20-cent pieces could run $25,000 (without the 1876-CC).
By die variety:
Difficulty rating: Easy to moderately difficult.
Cost estimate: Who knows? Collecting Draped Bust dimes gets expensive because most of the dates are already valuable as type coins.
