1893-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS64

Here is a beautiful example of a late 19^th century San Francisco issue to add to your collection. David Akers writes, “The 1893-S is a moderately scarce date …. Uncs are available more than any other individual grade but choice and gem quality specimens are very scarce, especially gems.” This is one of those scarce choice pieces that Akers was discussing.

Despite the abundant mintage of 996,175, the 1893-S Liberty double eagle is virtually unavailable in grades higher than MS64. Many of the Mint State 1893-S twenties available at present were utilized in international trade. They were roughly handled in transit and storage, resulting in numerous contact marks and appropriately lower grades. PCGS has graded 88 as MS64 with only 5 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $12,500.00 in MS64.

The Second San Francisco Mint, where this attractive piece was struck in 1893. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.