1872-S $20 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $20 1850-1907

PCGS MS64

View More Images

PCGS MS63

PCGS #:: 8965

Designer:: James Barton Longacre

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 34.00 millimeters

Weight:: 33.40 grams

Mintage:: 780,000

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $58,800 • MS64 • 01-24-2021 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1872-S $20

Die Varieties

1872-S $20 Saddle Ridge Hoard

Go To Grade

Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Current Auctions - PCGS Graded

Current Auctions - NGC Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

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	4,782	R-4.0	23 / 31 TIE	90 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	65	R-8.3	15 / 31 TIE	57 / 148 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 31	1 / 148

Survival Estimate
All Grades	4,782
60 or Better	65
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-4.0
60 or Better	R-8.3
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	23 / 31 TIE
60 or Better	15 / 31 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 31

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	90 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	57 / 148 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 148

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS63 PCGS grade	Heritage 2/2015:3265, $25,850 - Heritage 12/2015:3418, $23,500
2	MS62 PCGS grade
2	MS62 PCGS grade
4	MS62 PCGS grade
4	MS62 PCGS grade
4	MS62 PCGS grade
4	MS62 PCGS grade
4	MS62 PCGS grade
4	MS62 PCGS grade

#1 MS63 PCGS grade

Heritage 2/2015:3265, $25,850 - Heritage 12/2015:3418, $23,500

#2 MS62 PCGS grade

#4 MS62 PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

Davie Akers was right concenring the 1872-S $20 -- it is easy to find an example in some grade but it is difficult to find a nice one. Most of the Uncirculated examples are low-end, usually in MS60 to MS61. Even MS62 examples are rare. The best example is a single PCGS MS63, indicating the lack of attention that collectors paid to this date back in 1872. Most examples are well struck and show decent luster. The key is to find an 1872-S $20 with the least number of contact marks and abrasions.

David Akers (1975/88): The 1872-S is generally available only in the lower grades, i.e. VF or EF. In AU condition the date is very scarce and in full mint state it is rare, slightly more so than the 1869-S, 1870-S or 1871-S to which the 1872-S is otherwise comparable in overall rrity. I have seen a few avarage quality uncs (bagmarked Unc-60'S with lustre) but I cannot recall ever seeing a choice or gem quality specimen. The Double Eagle collector in search of this date will probably not have all that much trouble locating one but he should not set his sights very high as far as quality is concerned.