1878-S $20 XF40 Certification #46294606, PCGS #8987

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

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.

PCGS #

8987

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Edge

Reeded

Diameter

34.00 millimeters

Weight

33.40 grams

Mintage

1739000

Metal

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Pop Higher

2607

Pop Lower

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - 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.
65 or Better	11475	R-2.9	40 / 73 TIE	113 / 148 TIE
All Grades	875	R-5.2	29 / 73 TIE	94 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 73	1 / 148

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.
65 or Better	11475
All Grades	875
60 or Better	0

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.
65 or Better	R-2.9
All Grades	R-5.2
60 or Better	R-10.1

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.
65 or Better	40 / 73 TIE
All Grades	29 / 73 TIE
60 or Better	1 / 73

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.
65 or Better	113 / 148 TIE
All Grades	94 / 148 TIE
60 or Better	1 / 148

Condition Census Learn More

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

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