1876 Double Eagle - 1876 $20 NGC AU58 CAC. Type 2 Double Eagle. This dramatic looking, near-Mint State 1876 Double Eagle has bright cartwheel luster on both sides. The coin is well struck with full details on the centers of the stars and the design elements of the reverse. Just a tiny bit of wear on the highest points keeps the piece from an Uncirculated grade. The surfaces are original and show abrasion marks consistent with the grade. The CAC sticker indicates that the coin is of premium quality and well within the range of the grade assigned.

The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the original double eagle by enlarging the oval of stars above the eagles head and placing the motto in it. This modification did not require a major alteration of the design as was the case with adding the motto to the lower denominations. It was made at the behest of Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of Treasury and Congress because of pressure brought about by the Reverend M.R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania.

Originally all of the United States coinage was secular. However, in the first sixty or so years of the United States existence, religious life became more important to the populace. By 1860, twenty-three percent of the population belonged to a church or had some kind of religious affiliation. Groups such as the National Reform Association wanted to amend the Constitution to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of all power and authority in government. The amendment was unsuccessful; however, the sentiment to bring religion into government remained strong. President Abraham Lincoln chose James Pollock to be the Mint Director in 1861.

He served until 1867. Pollock was in favor of the idea that the nation depended on the will of God.  Reverend Watkinson was the first person who actually addressed this need. He believed that adding the name of God to our coinage would, relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism[and] place us openly under the divine protection. Although placed on the two cent coin in 1864, the Coinage Act of 1865 created the authority to add the motto IN GOD WE TRUST to all coins. In 1866 it was placed on the half eagle, the eagle and the double eagle as well as on silver coinage and the shield nickel.

In its population report as of June 2012, CAC shows 19 1876 double eagles confirmed in AU58 condition with 36 better.