1869-S $20 MS(PCGS#8956)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3385

Grade

MS62

Price

13,200

Lot Description

Delicate iridescent highlights enliven otherwise dominant deep rose-gold color on both sides of this lustrous and attractive Mint State example. Sharply struck for the type, especially on the reverse, and presenting exceptional eye appeal.<p>Double eagle production at the San Francisco Mint in 1869 amounted to 686,750 coins. David W. Akers was able to identify just 12 auction appearances of examples listed as Mint State when he wrote his double eagle reference in 1982. Later in 2004, when Q. David Bowers penned his <em>Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins</em>, the estimate was about 40 to 50 examples. Population reports give larger numbers but undoubtedly contain many duplicate submissions, although it is likely that a few additional pieces have slipped into the market from foreign repatriations in recent years. The grade of the present offering is superior to most others, and its appearance in the market provides an important opportunity for double eagle enthusiasts.