1885-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS62

Here’s an attractive example to add to your numismatic holdings. PCGS has graded 1,458 as MS62 with 833 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $3,250.00 in MS62.

The 1885-S twenty has a mintage of 683,500. As with most other San Francisco Mint double eagles, the great majority of 1885-S coins were put into circulation for everyday commerce. That is because in the Old West paper money of any kind was rejected by practically everyone in favor of hard money: gold and silver pieces.

Those 1885-S double eagles that did not circulate were shipped to Europe as a trade commodity, while others were placed in U.S. banks to serve as backing for Gold Certificates. The famous Saddle Ridge Hoard of gold coins that was discovered in California by a couple walking their dog in 2013 included twenty of the 1885-S twenties, including five Mint State pieces.

The San Francisco Mint, where this great collectible was struck. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.