The Twenty-Cent Piece was an unusual denomination struck between 1875 and 1878. Because the size of the coin and the design elements were so similar to those on the Quarter Dollar, these coins caused a lot of confusion with the general public (similar to the situation that occurred over 100 years later with the Susan B. Anthony Dollar). For this reason, Twenty Cent Pieces were struck for circulation only in 1875 and 1876. In 1877 and 1878, they were available only as Proofs.

Due to the twenty-cent piece’s brief life, only one type was issued. Except for having smaller stars, its obverse was almost identical in appearance to the Seated Liberty design on the other silver coins. In addition, LIBERTY is in raised relief on this design, like the 1836 Gobrecht Dollar and unlike the recessed or incuse LIBERTY on the other Seated coins. Wear shows first on the head, breast and knee of Liberty. On circulated pieces, LIBERTY will begin to wear along with the other devices mentioned. On the reverse, the initial wear points are the eagle’s breast and the top of its wings. Due to problems with striking pressure, 1875-CC is often found with an incomplete eagle’s wing, even on uncirculated specimens.

• • Years Minted: 1875-1878