The Twenty Cent Piece: America's Shortest-Lived Denomination

The Twenty Cent piece (1875-1878) is one of U.S. coinage's most spectacular failures. Too similar in size and design to the quarter dollar, it caused widespread confusion in commerce. Most were minted only in 1875-1876, with tiny proof-only mintages in 1877-1878. The denomination was quickly discontinued, making these silver coins highly desirable to collectors. The 1876-CC (Carson City) is particularly sought after, as are the rare 1877 and 1878 proof strikes.

Why Create a Twenty Cent Piece?

In the 1870s, small silver coins were scarce in the Western states. Senator John P. Jones of Nevada proposed a twenty cent piece to facilitate commerce, particularly to make change for quarter dollar transactions. The coin would theoretically allow one to make change for a quarter using a nickel.

The Nevada silver mining interests also supported it as a way to increase demand for silver. Despite these intentions, the coin was doomed from the start.

Design Features

Obverse (Front)

• Seated Liberty design (similar to other denominations of the era)
• Liberty seated on rock, holding shield and liberty pole
• "LIBERTY" on shield
• Date below
• Stars around the periphery

Reverse (Back)

• Heraldic eagle with spread wings
• "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around rim
• "TWENTY CENTS" below eagle
• Plain edge (key difference from quarters, which had reeded edges)

Specifications

• Years Minted: 1875-1878
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Diameter: 22mm
• Weight: 5 grams
• Edge: Plain (smooth)
• Silver Content: 0.1447 troy ounces

Why It Failed

Confusion with Quarters

The twenty cent piece was too similar to the quarter dollar in size (22mm vs 24.3mm) and design. Both featured Seated Liberty obverses. In dim light or casual handling, they were easily confused.

The Plain Edge Problem

While the plain edge was meant to distinguish it from the reeded quarter, this wasn't enough. Most people didn't notice or check the edge when making transactions.

Limited Practical Use

The theoretical advantage of making change was minimal. People could already make change adequately with existing denominations. The coin solved a problem that didn't really exist.

Production History

1875: The Beginning

Three mints produced twenty cent pieces: Philadelphia (36,910 business strikes), San Francisco (1,155,000), and Carson City (133,290). The San Francisco mint produced most of the circulation pieces.

1876: Writing on the Wall

Production dropped dramatically with only 14,750 from Philadelphia and 10,000 from Carson City. San Francisco didn't produce any business strikes, only a few proofs.

1877-1878: Proof Only

Only proof coins were made in 1877 (510 pieces) and 1878 (600 pieces), struck only at Philadelphia. These were made solely for collectors, as the denomination was already defunct for commerce.

1878: Official End

Congress officially abolished the denomination on May 2, 1878. Most coins were subsequently melted, making survivors especially valuable today.

Key Dates and Values

Most Valuable Dates

• 1876-CC: Lowest mintage business strike (10,000), extremely rare in high grades
• 1877 Proof: Only 510 minted, rare and valuable
• 1878 Proof: Only 600 minted
• 1875-CC: Popular Carson City issue

Most Affordable

1875-S in circulated grades is the most common and affordable entry point to the series, though still significantly more expensive than common coins of other denominations.

Collecting Twenty Cent Pieces

Complete Set Challenge

A complete date and mint mark set requires only seven coins (1875 P/S/CC, 1876 P/CC, 1877 proof, 1878 proof). However, the 1877 and 1878 proofs are expensive, and the 1876-CC is extremely rare.

Type Coin Collecting

Most collectors acquire a single twenty cent piece for their type sets. The 1875-S offers the best combination of availability and reasonable price.

Grade Considerations

Due to limited production and subsequent melting, twenty cent pieces in high grades are scarce. Many show evidence of circulation or cleaning. Authenticated and graded examples from major services (PCGS, NGC) command strong premiums.

Authentication Concerns

Due to their rarity and value, twenty cent pieces have been targets for counterfeiters. Always purchase important examples from reputable dealers, preferably certified by PCGS or NGC. Pay special attention to the 1876-CC and the proof-only 1877 and 1878 dates.

Historical Significance

Despite its commercial failure, the twenty cent piece represents an important lesson in coin design and denomination planning. It demonstrated that similarity to existing coins causes confusion, and that new denominations must serve a clear purpose.

The coin also represents the height of the Comstock Lode silver boom and Nevada's political influence in promoting silver coinage. Its brief existence makes it one of the most interesting chapters in U.S. numismatic history.