1878-S $20 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $20 1850-1907

PCGS MS64

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PCGS MS63+

PCGS MS63

PCGS #:: 8987

Designer:: James Barton Longacre

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 34.00 millimeters

Weight:: 33.40 grams

Mintage:: 1,739,000

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $43,200 • MS64 • 01-12-2020 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1878-S $20

Die Varieties

1878-S $20 Saddle Ridge Hoard

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Price Guide (USD)

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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	11,475	R-2.9	40 / 73 TIE	113 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	875	R-5.2	29 / 73 TIE	94 / 148 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 73	1 / 148

Survival Estimate
All Grades	11,475
60 or Better	875
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-2.9
60 or Better	R-5.2
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	40 / 73 TIE
60 or Better	29 / 73 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 73

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	113 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	94 / 148 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 148

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS63 PCGS grade	Saddle Ridge Hoard
1	MS63 PCGS grade	Heritage 9/2006:4139, $23,000
1	MS63 PCGS grade	RNB Collection - Heritage 1/2007:3733, $18,400
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS63 PCGS grade

Saddle Ridge Hoard

#1 MS63 PCGS grade

Heritage 9/2006:4139, $23,000

#1 MS63 PCGS grade

RNB Collection - Heritage 1/2007:3733, $18,400

#1 MS63 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): The 1878-S is most definitely not a common date. It is not particularly scarce in circulated grades but in strictly uncirculated condition it is very difficult to find. Overall, the 1878-S is more rare than the 1875-S and 1877-S and on a par with the 1874-S. It is far rarer than the common 1876-S. This date is most often available in EF or lower grades although AU's are also seen fairly often. In average uncirculated condition, the 1878-S is very scarce and in choice or gem mint state it is decidedly rare. In my opinion, this issue, as well as the 1879-S, 1880-S, 1881-S, and 1882-S, are all very underrated in uncirculated condition.

Ron Guth:

The Saddle Ridge Hoard of gold coins, discovered in northern California in 2013, contained thirty-four 1878-S $20s, of which twenty-seven were gradeable, four were Mint State, and one was tied for Finest Known.