Notes:
Question: In regard to ASL numbers, does the letter 'L' shape represent a numerical quantity of 20?
Response: Not directly no. An "L" doesn't by itself equal
"twenty."
The "L" shape is a common first segment of the following numbers: 21, 24,
26, 27, 28, and 29.
The number 22 commonly uses a "V" hand shape.
The numbers 23 and 25 have evolved to use special hand shapes and a fluttering
movement of the middle finger.
It is not accurate to think of "L" as equaling "20" -- it doesn't. In ASL
numbering the "L" is "bound" (and must occur with the rest of the sign). The "L"
cannot be separated out of the number to function as a free morpheme.
You could say though that "L" functions for the ASL numbers 24, 26, 27, 28, and
29 in a way similar to how the "2" digit functions for those numbers in English.