1875 $20 MS(PCGS#8973)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3157

Grade

MS63+

Price

20,400

Lot Description

This is an uncommonly well preserved example for both the type and issue. Fully original surfaces display rich, attractive color that provides outstanding eye appeal. The luster is full and the strike is sharp, especially for a Liberty Head double eagle of the Motto, TWENTY D. design. Nicely preserved and visually appealing, this coin would serve with distinction in an advanced numismatic cabinet.<p>The gold coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint are some of the rarest circulation issues of the mid 19th century with one exception, the double eagle. Double eagles maintained their popularity in commerce through the 1870s and the Philadelphia Mint kept up the pace by delivering 295,720 circulation strikes in 1875. Available in most grades up to the lowest Uncirculated levels, the 1875 double eagle is particularly popular for type collectors seeking a representative of the relatively short-lived Type II reverse design. At the low end of the Mint State range, 1,000 to 1,500 examples are thought to survive. However, most of these specimens come from repatriated overseas hoards and are heavily abraded and impaired, thanks to decades spent in bags that were shifted from one vault to another. Examples with lovely eye appeal are quite scarce even though a few Choice Mint State pieces have been certified (these numbers are likely highly inflated due to resubmissions). The certified population swells one last time at the basal MS-63 level, above which the number of grading events drops off precipitously. The offered Select Mint State example boasts superior quality and will appeal to bidders who will accept only premium quality coins for their collections.