1879-S $20 MS62 Certification #40571263, PCGS #8991

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

David Akers (1975/88)

The 1879-S is more rare than the 1877-S or 1878-S and it is also rarer than the 1874-S, 1875-S and 1876-S. Although it is generally regarded as a common date, the auction data correctly show that the 1879-S is really not common at all, particularly in high grade. In low circulated grades, i.e. VF or EF, the 1879-S is only moderately scarce and it can usually be located without much difficulty. However, in AU the 1879-S is scarce and in average uncirculated condition it is very scarce. Choice and gem mint state examples are known but are rare, especially gems which are virtually impossible to obtain.

Ron Guth

The Saddle Ridge Hoard of gold coins, discovered in northern California in 2013, contained forty-three 1879-S Double Eagles. Two were ungradeable, four were Mint State, and one was tied for Second Finest known.

PCGS #

8991

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Edge

Reeded

Diameter

34.00 millimeters

Weight

33.40 grams

Mintage

1233800

Metal

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Pop Higher

Pop Lower

1645

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	6225	R-3.7	32 / 73 TIE	101 / 148 TIE
All Grades	400	R-6.2	21 / 73	82 / 148
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	6225
All Grades	400
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-3.7
All Grades	R-6.2
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	32 / 73 TIE
All Grades	21 / 73
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	101 / 148 TIE
All Grades	82 / 148
60 or Better	1 / 148

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS64 PCGS grade
1	MS64 PCGS grade	Coinhunter 1/2007:309 - Heritage 9/28/2007:3851, not sold
3	MS63 PCGS grade	Saddle Ridge Hoard
3	MS63 PCGS grade
3	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

Coinhunter 1/2007:309 - Heritage 9/28/2007:3851, not sold

#3 MS63 PCGS grade

Saddle Ridge Hoard

#3 MS63 PCGS grade