1855-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS63

Here is a rare treasure from the first San Francisco Mint. This beauty is difficult to acquire in the choice grade of MS63. PCGS has graded only 16 as MS63, with just 12 finer. Colllectors Universe gives it a price of $30,000.00.

The 1855-S is among the better produced Type One double eagles from the San Francisco mint. There is good hair detail on the obverse with clear separation on many of the curls. The stars typically display full radial lines and the denticles are clearly separated. The wingtips on the reverse are at times weak, but the rest of the details are sharp. The edges offer a clearly beveled appearance.

The luster on this issue is frosty however it seems a bit subdued when compared to Philadelphia Mint issues of the 1850s. The coloration on this issue is usually a medium to deep orange-gold. It is quite easy to find an 1855-S with good eye appeal. Many of this issue are well struck and offer above average luster.