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The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1870-S MS60 PCGS is a significant and highly desirable example of early San Francisco Mint Double Eagle coinage from the post–Civil War Reconstruction period. Graded Mint State 60 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this piece represents the entry level of uncirculated coins, meaning it exhibits no wear from circulation but shows moderate marks or abrasions consistent with bulk handling or long-term storage. As a true Mint State survivor from a year and mint that saw relatively limited preservation of high-grade examples, this coin is both historically important and numismatically scarce in uncirculated condition.
The obverse of the 1870-S $20 Liberty features James B. Longacre’s enduring design of Lady Liberty, facing left and adorned with a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY.” Her hair is gathered in a bun, with curled tresses falling down her neck, and she is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars, representing the original American colonies. The date “1870” appears beneath the portrait. On an MS60 example, the high points of Liberty’s cheek, coronet, and hair retain full detail with no signs of wear, though numerous small contact marks or bag abrasions may be present in the fields and devices, characteristic of this lower-end Mint State grade.
The reverse carries the modified Type II design introduced in 1866, featuring a powerful heraldic eagle with a shield over its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle, the scroll bearing the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs just below thirteen stars. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.” encircle the edge, with the “S” mintmark placed just below the eagle’s tail feathers, signifying the San Francisco Mint. In MS60 condition, all details—particularly the eagle’s wings, shield lines, and motto scroll—remain strong and complete, though moderate surface chatter or faint friction may interrupt the brilliance of the fields.
This Double Eagle was struck in 90% gold and 10% copper alloy, weighs 33.44 grams, and has a diameter of 34 millimeters. The $20 Liberty, or Double Eagle, was originally introduced in 1850 to accommodate the massive influx of gold from the California Gold Rush. By 1870, San Francisco had become one of the nation’s leading minting centers for gold coinage, processing locally sourced gold for use in domestic commerce and international trade. The 1870-S Double Eagle thus reflects both the enduring demand for high-value coinage and the strategic importance of San Francisco in the evolving American monetary system.
The mintage for the 1870-S $20 Liberty was 982,000 coins, a moderately high production figure, though most were heavily circulated or melted over time. As with many 19th-century gold issues, especially from San Francisco, Mint State survivors are rare. PCGS population data confirms that relatively few 1870-S Double Eagles have been certified in true uncirculated grades, and MS60 examples represent a scarce and important preservation tier. Higher grades—such as MS61 or MS62—are significantly rarer and command strong premiums, while MS60 offers a balance of historical significance and accessibility for advanced collectors or investors.
The MS60 grade from PCGS certifies this coin as uncirculated, with no signs of wear, but with noticeable contact marks, hairlines, or subdued luster. The coin may lack the eye appeal of higher Mint State grades but still represents an authentic, untouched example of the original strike. Coins at this level often reflect the reality of gold coin handling in the 19th century—large denomination pieces like the Double Eagle were stored in bags and frequently moved through banks or institutions, where surface contact was inevitable even for coins that never entered general circulation.
In terms of visual character, this 1870-S MS60 example likely retains a moderate amount of original mint luster, often with a soft satiny or slightly granular texture. The color may vary from classic yellow gold to warmer orange or reddish hues, depending on the specific alloy mixture and storage history. The San Francisco Mint was known for producing sharp, well-struck gold coins during this era, and collectors often prize “S” mint Double Eagles for their bold details and strong strike characteristics. Despite surface marks consistent with the grade, the coin’s devices remain bold and complete.
Historically, 1870 was a period of major development and rebuilding in the United States. With the Civil War ended just five years earlier, the country was deep in Reconstruction. That same year, construction began on the San Francisco Mint’s grand “Granite Lady” building, a structure designed to serve as a modern fortress for gold coin production and storage. The issuance of Double Eagles like this 1870-S contributed to economic growth, westward expansion, and international trade, as large gold coins were regularly used in bullion transactions and overseas exports. This coin is a direct artifact of that vibrant economic chapter.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1870-S MS60 PCGS is an important acquisition for serious collectors of U.S. gold coinage, Liberty Head Double Eagles, and Western mint issues. Its Mint State status places it in an elite minority of survivors from a series and date typically found in worn condition. As pre-1933 U.S. gold coins continue to grow in popularity due to their intrinsic and historical value, certified uncirculated specimens from the 1870s—especially from San Francisco—are increasingly viewed as tangible assets with both collector and investment appeal.
Whether acquired to complete a Type II Double Eagle set, represent a post–Civil War gold issue, or strengthen a portfolio of NGC- or PCGS-certified early Mint State gold, the 1870-S MS60 is a distinguished example. With its large size, rich detail, and solid gold content, it serves as both a lasting tribute to America’s frontier-era coinage and a reminder of the enduring value of precious metals in numismatic history.