1873-S $20 Open 3 MS(PCGS#8979)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

6412

Grade

MS61

Price

4,560

Lot Description

The mintage for the 1873-S double eagle of 1,040,600 pieces includes both Close 3 and Open 3 date logotypes, and it was higher than the previous year's San Francisco Mint delivery by more than a quarter-million pieces. Much of this mintage later went overseas in banking transactions, and many are the Mint State pieces that have come back to the United States, especially during the 1990s. As noted elsewhere in our cataloging for this sale, however, most of the Uncirculated survivors are examples of the Close 3 variety. As such, Open 3 coins such as this are in the distinct minority in today's market. This is a significant Mint State coin that would serve as a focal point in any high quality double eagle set.