1869-S $20 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $20 1850-1907

PCGS MS64

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PCGS MS63

PCGS MS62

PCGS #:: 8956

Designer:: James Barton Longacre

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 34.00 millimeters

Weight:: 33.40 grams

Mintage:: 686,750

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $83,375 • MS64 • 07-28-2005 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1869-S $20

Die Varieties

1869-S $20 Saddle Ridge Hoard

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	2,645	R-4.4	11 / 31 TIE	64 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	57	R-8.4	13 / 31 TIE	52 / 148 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 31	1 / 148

Survival Estimate
All Grades	2,645
60 or Better	57
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-4.4
60 or Better	R-8.4
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	11 / 31 TIE
60 or Better	13 / 31 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 31

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	64 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	52 / 148 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 148

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS64 PCGS grade	AWA Collection - D.L. Hansen Collection
1	MS64 PCGS grade	Heritage 7/2005:10413, $83,375 - Goldbergs 2/2006:1311, $77,625 - Ohringer Family Trust Holdings, Part II - Goldbergs 9/2008:1291, $69,000 - Heritage 1/2010:2249, $63,250
1	MS64 PCGS grade
1	MS64 PCGS grade
1	MS64 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade	American Numismatic Rarities 8/2006:1623, $41,400
6	MS63 PCGS grade	Heritage 11/2005:2463, $34,500 - Heritage 4/2019:3923, $26,400
8	MS63 estimated grade
8	MS63 estimated grade
10	MS63 estimated grade

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

AWA Collection - D.L. Hansen Collection

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

Heritage 7/2005:10413, $83,375 - Goldbergs 2/2006:1311, $77,625 - Ohringer Family Trust Holdings, Part II - Goldbergs 9/2008:1291, $69,000 - Heritage 1/2010:2249, $63,250

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

#6 MS63 PCGS grade

American Numismatic Rarities 8/2006:1623, $41,400

#6 MS63 PCGS grade

Heritage 11/2005:2463, $34,500 - Heritage 4/2019:3923, $26,400

#8 MS63 estimated grade

#10 MS63 estimated grade

David Akers (1975/88): The 1869-S is very similar in overall rarity to the four S-Mint twenties that follow (1870-S, 1871-S, 1872-S and 1873-S) as well as such earlier issues as 1858-S, 1859-S and 1863-S. It is not nearly as difficult to obtain as the 1866-S Motto, 1867-S or 1868-S. Although most available specimens grade EF or less, AU's and average quality uncs are occasionally offered. Choice and gem mint state specimens are known but are very rare. The finest I have ever seen is the Unc-65+ coin from Stack's September 1975 sale.