1878-S $20 MS(PCGS#8987)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3179

Grade

MS64

Price

28,800

Lot Description

A highly lustrous, softly frosted to faintly reflective example. Beautiful golden-rose color with a sharply executed strike and outstanding visual appeal.<p>The San Francisco Mint produced 1,739,000 double eagles of this date and most saw use in overseas transactions. We estimate a Mint State population of 1,000 to 1,500 pieces, perhaps a trifle more, with most in MS-60 to MS-62. At Choice Mint State, as here, this issue is a landmark condition rarity that is seldom offered, or even seen, in today's market. The offered coin, in fact, is one of only two MS-64s certified, the other at PCGS. Neither of these coins have sold at auction since 2020, which fact further underscores the fleeing nature of the opportunity presented here.