A Brief and Unusual Chapter in U.S. Coinage
The Twenty-Cent Piece stands as one of the most unusual denominations in United States history. It entered circulation with promise. However, it failed almost immediately.
The United States Mint struck the coin from 1875 through 1878. Yet, the Mint released it for circulation only in 1875 and 1876. After that, officials stopped distributing the denomination.
During its final two years, the Mint produced just 1,100 Proof coins. Collectors purchased these directly, rather than receiving them in circulation.
As a result, the Twenty-Cent Piece holds one of the shortest production runs and lowest mintages in U.S. history.
Mintage Figures and Key Issues
The Twenty-Cent Piece came from three facilities:
- Philadelphia Mint
- Carson City Mint
- San Francisco Mint
In 1875, the Mint expected strong export demand. Therefore, San Francisco struck 1,155,000 coins. Meanwhile, Carson City produced 133,290 pieces, and Philadelphia added 38,500 examples.
Fortunately, many 1875-S coins survived. Today, collectors often find them in Extremely Fine to Mint State grades. This availability makes the 1875-S an affordable type coin.
By contrast, the 1876-CC issue tells a very different story.
The Carson City Mint struck 10,000 coins dated 1876. However, officials melted nearly all of them before release. Today, experts estimate that fewer than 20 examples survive. This rarity makes the 1876-CC one of the most coveted coins in the series.
Why Create a Twenty-Cent Coin?
At first glance, the denomination seems unnecessary. After all, the quarter dollar already existed.
However, the story begins with the Coinage Act of 1873. This law ended the free coinage of silver. As a result, lawmakers looked for new ways to use silver in coinage.
In 1874, Congress approved the Twenty-Cent Piece. John Percival Jones strongly supported the measure. He argued that the coin would compete with European silver coins used in international trade, especially those aligned with the Latin Monetary Union.
Additionally, Congress saw another benefit. The western United States faced a shortage of small change. The Mint had ended the half dime in 1873. At the same time, the cent and five-cent nickel came only from Philadelphia. Therefore, western states needed more fractional coinage.
Design Problems and Public Confusion
Despite good intentions, the coin failed in execution.
Chief Engraver William Barber designed patterns at the request of Mint Director Henry Linderman. The final coin featured the familiar Liberty Seated design on the obverse. The reverse displayed a similar eagle to that found on the quarter.
This similarity caused a major problem.
The Twenty-Cent Piece looked too much like the quarter dollar. Both coins shared nearly identical designs and similar sizes. While the Twenty-Cent Piece had a plain edge, the quarter used a reeded edge. However, circulation wear often reduced the reeding on quarters. As a result, many people struggled to tell the coins apart.
Because of this confusion, the public rejected the denomination.
A Short-Lived Experiment Ends
The Twenty-Cent Piece never gained acceptance. Consequently, the Mint stopped striking coins for circulation after just two years.
Today, the denomination remains a fascinating “what-if” in American numismatics. It reflects both economic ambition and design missteps. Moreover, it offers collectors a mix of affordable type coins and extreme rarities.
In-Depth Twenty-Cent Piece Date Analysis by CoinWeek Notes
Key Specifications at a Glance
Denomination: Twenty-Cent Piece
Years of Issue: 1875–1878
Circulation Strikes: High: 1,155,000 (1875-S) Low: 106,000 (1876-CC)
Proof Coinage: High: 1,200 (1875) Low: 510 (1877)
Alloy: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 5.0 grams
Diameter: 22.0 millimeters
Edge: Plain
Designer: William Barber
Looking back, it’s quite stunning how much the “double-dime debacle” presaged the Anthony dollar’s failure a century later. If the 20¢ coin had been created to replace the quarter instead of co-circulating, it would have given the US a fully-decimal set of minor denominations. But as with the SBA dollar not only did its design cause confusion, in addition no attempt was made to phase out the competing denomination.
I believe I own one of the 7 to 9 known coins to exist, a 1875 S Branch Mint Proof Twenty Cent. My coin has all the characteristic the die chip or gouge below hand,horizontal die file or polish marks, diagonal die line, separated serifs in “TS”, and disconnected leaves. The coin has a deep cameo appearance. This coin was aquired in Great Britian
I really love the 20 cent series. It is a very conversational piece. I have them but not the proof version.
The 20 cent piece was the last coin I got to complete my non-gold coin type. I now have a type coin in every denomination. I do not own all the type designs but have anexample of every denomination.
These are some very expensive coins even in low grade but 1 day I’ll have 3 to pass down to my kids
Would love to have the proof versions
Along with the Three cent, this is the Edsel of American coinage. LOL. That’s why it is numismatically interesting.
I did not know there ever was a 20 cent coin. What a jewel to have in ones collection.
I would love to find that with my metal detector !
Small set, how hard can it be to complete? LOL
wow…never heard of 20 cent piece before
A 20c type coin would be neat to show people who aren’t familiar
Very good looking coin
One day, I’ll own one of these oddities of our coinage system!
It’s hard to understand the logic of producing a coin so close in value to the quarter and at a similar size. At least they made a cool coin for collectors!
Twenty cent coins are cool. I wonder why they didn’t catch on with the public.
Very unusual denomination indeed! Too bad they did not make a coin featuring a completely different design feature to avoid confusion with the quarter-dollar piece. Who knows . . . but I think it would have survived for a number of years. Thank you for the article.
I wish I could afford one of these rare coins.
Great series. As short lived as the Flying Eagle cent!!
That is a great looking coin
Didn’t produce that very long!!
I woud love to own this
nice looking coin
Such a short lived series. What a shame.
Never heard of a twenty cent US coin before!
Every week the history of these coins amazes me. Thanks.
This article would have been a lot more interesting if it had mentioned that the Philadelphia mint struck double dimes ( twenty centavos) for Cuba starting in 1915 that were the same weight and silver alloy as the 1875 through 1878 ones mentioned above and that they were designed by Charles Barber the son of William Barber mentioned above.
With all of the changes in coinage in the late 1800’s, this is one of my favorites!
I have an 1875 S in my collection! It would probably grade a VF 25, but I cherish it nonetheless. I imagine how many hands it passed through over the years. Makes me wish I could go back in time to the old West.
That is an interesting article. I wish I had one of those Carson cities.. LOL
Interesting article. Wish I had a CC. LOL
I have an 1875 S/S. Very cool coins!
interesting to read about coins that never took
Learned something new – wasn’t familiar with this coin
Great story. I have a very poor condition 1875 S. Now with a great back story.
Interesting article!
Very nice coins and conversation pieces.
Short time out. Nice coin
Always interesting articles in CW
Learned something new today! I never knew there was ever a 20 cent coin!