Value of 1870-S $20 Gold Coin

Value of 1870-S $20 Double Eagle

Most 1870-S double eagles are softly struck, especially in and around the centers on both sides, as well as over many of the obverse stars. Heavily abraded surfaces are also the norm. On the other hand luster is a strong suit for this issue, typically vibrant satin or softly frosted, although unfortunately most survivors are in grades too low to display any of the original finish. The 1870-S is scarce relative to the generous mintage of nearly 1 million coins, and it is also among the more elusive San Francisco Mint double eagles of the Type 2 Liberty Head design. In an absolute sense, however, enough circulated examples have survived that it is obtainable with ease in VF, EF and AU grades. Mint State examples are genuinely scarce, and those that grade finer than MS-61 are rare. One of the finest known examples has been certified MS-63 by PCGS, and it is likely from the Saddle Ridge Hoard discovered in California in 2013.