1855-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS XF45

Great collectible in the desirable PCGS Old Green Holder!

Here’s a more affordable option for the collector of Type 1 Liberty Head double eagles. This example is from the second year of operation of the new San Francisco Mint. PCGS has graded 273 examples as XF45, with 929 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $3,100 in XF45.

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.