US Twenty Cent Coins

The Twenty Cent coin, also known as the "double dime," was a short-lived denomination in the United States currency system. It was minted from 1875 to 1878 and holds the distinction of being one of the shortest-lived coin denominations in U.S. history.

The introduction of the Twenty Cent coin was primarily driven by the desire to provide a coin that could be used to replace the unpopular Seated Liberty silver dollar, which had largely disappeared from circulation due to hoarding and exportation of silver during and after the Civil War. The proposed denomination was seen as a compromise between the quarter dollar (25 cents) and the dime (10 cents).

The legislation for the Twenty Cent coin was passed on March 3, 1875, and production of the coin began the same year. The design of the coin featured Liberty seated on a rock with her right hand resting on a shield, while her left hand held a liberty pole surmounted by a cap. The reverse side depicted an eagle perched on a wreath with the inscription "1/5 OF A DOLLAR" and the date.

The Twenty Cent coin was minted in two different compositions during its brief existence. The first issues from 1875 and 1876 were made of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, due to the similarity in size and design to the quarter dollar, the Twenty Cent coin caused confusion in everyday transactions. It was often mistaken for a quarter, leading to public dissatisfaction and limited acceptance. Additionally, the Twenty Cent coin faced opposition from vested interests, including the silver mining lobby, as it would have potentially reduced the demand for silver.

In 1877, the composition of the Twenty Cent coin was changed to 83.5% silver and 16.5% copper to differentiate it from the quarter dollar and alleviate the confusion. However, by this time, the public perception of the coin had been negatively influenced, and it still faced resistance. The coin's unpopularity, coupled with the resumption of the production of the silver dollar in 1878, led to the discontinuation of the Twenty Cent coin.

Overall, the Twenty Cent coin had a limited circulation and never gained widespread acceptance. It was minted for only four years, with relatively low production numbers. Today, it is considered a numismatic curiosity and a rare collectible. The short-lived nature of the coin, combined with its intriguing history, makes it a sought-after piece among coin collectors and enthusiasts.