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The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1875-S MS60 NGC *Granite Lady Hoard* is an exceptional and historically meaningful coin that captures a moment of financial strength and resilience in 19th-century America. Struck at the San Francisco Mint during the post–Civil War Reconstruction period, this Double Eagle is not only valuable for its precious metal content and classic design but also for its connection to the famed *Granite Lady Hoard*—a group of coins preserved in pristine condition for more than a century within the fortified walls of the old San Francisco Mint. Graded Mint State 60 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this example is a rare Mint State survivor of a coin typically found in heavily circulated condition.
The obverse of the 1875-S $20 Liberty features the enduring design by James B. Longacre. It depicts Lady Liberty facing left, crowned with a coronet bearing the word “LIBERTY,” her hair gathered in an elegant bun with flowing curls. Surrounding her image are thirteen six-pointed stars, representing the original colonies, and the date “1875” is placed just below the truncation of the neck. In MS60 condition, all of these elements remain fully struck and without wear, though small contact marks and surface abrasions are present—typical of a coin at the entry level of Mint State. Nonetheless, it displays all the sharpness expected of an uncirculated piece, making it a solid representative of the issue.
The reverse carries the modified Type II design introduced in 1866. A heraldic eagle, with a striped shield on its chest, clutches an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left. Above the eagle is a scroll bearing the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” flanked by thirteen stars. The surrounding legend reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.”—a denomination abbreviation unique to the period. Below the eagle is the “S” mintmark, denoting its San Francisco origin. On this MS60 example, the reverse design remains strong, with full detail in the eagle’s plumage and shield lines, though surface chatter is visible, consistent with the grade.
Each Double Eagle is struck from a composition of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 33.44 grams and measuring 34 millimeters in diameter. The 1875-S Double Eagle was primarily used in large-scale banking and international trade, and coins were often shipped overseas or stored in vaults for reserve purposes. The San Francisco Mint—also known as the “Granite Lady” for its imposing granite architecture—played a vital role in minting gold coins sourced from the rich mines of California and Nevada. That same structure would become a sanctuary for thousands of gold coins, including this one, after surviving the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.
The *Granite Lady Hoard* refers to a remarkable cache of U.S. gold coins that were stored in the San Francisco Mint and remained untouched for over a century. These coins, many from the 1870s and 1880s, were rediscovered in the early 2000s and certified by NGC. Each was given the special pedigree “Granite Lady Hoard,” signifying its provenance. The fact that this 1875-S Double Eagle comes from this hoard enhances its historical allure and assures collectors of its long-term preservation in secure storage under ideal conditions, away from circulation or mishandling.
The mintage of the 1875-S $20 Liberty was 1,230,000 coins—a relatively high figure—but surviving Mint State examples are far less common due to the coin’s heavy use in commerce and the melting of large quantities over time. Most 1875-S Double Eagles are found in circulated grades, making Mint State coins like this MS60 example scarce and desirable. PCGS and NGC population data confirm that MS60 and higher specimens are in limited supply, especially those with a provenance as prestigious as the *Granite Lady Hoard*.
The MS60 grade signifies that the coin is strictly uncirculated, with no wear on the design elements, but with noticeable marks and abrasions from bag contact or long-term storage. These contact marks are generally scattered across the fields and may appear on Liberty’s cheek or the eagle’s wings. Despite this, MS60 coins retain full design sharpness and often display underlying luster, particularly when viewed at an angle. The typical color for 1875-S examples includes warm yellow-gold to reddish hues, reflecting both the natural alloying and storage environment within the Mint.
Visually, the coin is both impressive and historically rich. Liberty’s features remain fully defined, the denticles around the rim are sharp, and the reverse eagle stands out with striking detail. Though the MS60 grade allows for moderate field abrasions, the absence of circulation wear and the coin’s origin from the *Granite Lady* vault lend it special appeal. The story behind this hoard adds not just numismatic value but a compelling narrative of survival and national resilience.
Historically, the 1870s were a transformative time in American economic and monetary history. The nation had recently emerged from the Civil War, and efforts were being made to restore financial confidence and hard currency standards. Gold coins like the Double Eagle became a preferred medium for bank reserves and international settlements. In San Francisco, the Mint stood as a symbol of federal presence and stability on the West Coast, and the very structure that housed this coin later proved its worth by withstanding disaster while protecting millions in gold reserves.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1875-S MS60 NGC *Granite Lady Hoard* is prized by collectors of pre-1933 U.S. gold, Liberty Head Double Eagles, and coins with storied provenance. The combination of uncirculated status, San Francisco minting, and the hoard pedigree positions this coin as both a collector's gem and a historical artifact. Whether sought for investment, a date-and-mint set, or simply its beauty and backstory, this coin delivers enduring value and connection to the American West’s golden age.