1879 $20 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $20 1850-1907

PCGS MS65

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PCGS MS65

PCGS MS64+

PCGS #:: 8988

Designer:: James Barton Longacre

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 34.00 millimeters

Weight:: 33.40 grams

Mintage:: 207,600

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $46,800 • MS65 • 01-03-2018 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (3)

Major Varieties

1879 $20
1879 $20, PL

Die Varieties

1879 $20 DDR FS-801

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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	1,850	R-4.6	20 / 73	56 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	212	R-6.8	17 / 73	73 / 148 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 73	1 / 148

Survival Estimate
All Grades	1,850
60 or Better	212
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-4.6
60 or Better	R-6.8
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	20 / 73
60 or Better	17 / 73
65 or Better	1 / 73

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	56 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	73 / 148 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 148

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	MS65 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 estimated grade
2	MS64 estimated grade

#1 MS65 PCGS grade

#2 MS64 PCGS grade

#2 MS64 estimated grade

David Akers (1975/88): The 1879 is a scarce date, particularly in strictly uncirculated condition. Overall, it is similar in rarity to the 1855-1858 P-Mint issues as well as the 1863, 1864, 1869, 1870 and 1880. (However, it is not quite as rare as most of those other dates in unc.) When available, the 1879 can be anything from VF to AU. In Unc-60, the 1879 is very scarce and in choice or gem mint state the date is surprisingly rare.