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The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1875-S MS61 PCGS is a scarce and visually impressive example of post–Civil War American coinage, representing a historic period of economic expansion and westward development. Struck at the San Francisco Mint and graded Mint State 61 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this Double Eagle offers collectors an uncirculated example from one of the nation's most important gold-producing regions. With a relatively small number of surviving Mint State coins from this date and mint, the 1875-S MS61 holds strong numismatic appeal, especially as a representative of the Type II Liberty Head design that was struck from 1866 through 1876.
The obverse of the coin features James B. Longacre’s classic portrait of Lady Liberty, shown facing left with a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY.” Her hair is tied in a bun, with cascading curls and delicate detail throughout. The rim is adorned with thirteen six-pointed stars representing the original American colonies, and the date “1875” is prominently placed beneath the bust. In MS61 condition, the coin shows full design detail with no signs of circulation wear, though small contact marks and light abrasions—especially in the open fields—are typical for this grade. Nevertheless, the overall visual presentation remains strong, with bold features and traces of mint luster throughout.
The reverse design, introduced in 1866 as part of the Type II Double Eagle, displays a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle is a scroll inscribed with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” a design feature introduced following the Civil War. Thirteen stars appear in an arc above the scroll, and the legends “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.” encircle the design. Just beneath the eagle, the “S” mintmark confirms the coin’s origin at the San Francisco Mint. On this MS61 example, the strike is typically sharp for a San Francisco issue, with strong definition in the eagle’s feathers and shield lines and full legibility across all devices.
Each Double Eagle is struck in 90% gold and 10% copper, weighs 33.44 grams, and measures 34 millimeters in diameter. These large, heavy gold coins were introduced in 1850 to accommodate the massive influx of gold from California, and by 1875, the San Francisco Mint had become one of the country’s principal sources for producing high-value coinage. These coins were used for major financial transactions, often shipped overseas for trade settlements, or stored in banking reserves. The wear and loss from circulation and melting make any surviving Mint State 1875-S Double Eagle a significant find for collectors today.
The official mintage for the 1875-S $20 Liberty was 1,230,000 coins—a relatively large output—but most saw extensive circulation or were exported and eventually melted, particularly during the gold recalls of the 20th century. Despite the seemingly high mintage, only a small percentage of the total survive in Mint State, and fewer still are certified by PCGS at the MS61 level or above. This scarcity elevates the market appeal of any problem-free, uncirculated example, especially those certified by a leading grading service like PCGS, which enhances the coin’s liquidity and collector confidence.
The MS61 grade reflects a coin that is fully uncirculated, with complete strike and no trace of wear, but showing more contact marks or surface chatter than a higher-grade Mint State coin. These marks are usually scattered across the obverse fields, Liberty’s cheek, or within the reverse’s open areas, but they do not compromise the coin’s integrity or overall aesthetic. The coin may display subdued or uneven luster but still offers strong eye appeal due to its sharp strike and unblemished design detail. For many collectors, MS61 is an ideal balance of condition and value, offering a true Mint State coin at a more accessible price than the higher MS62–MS64 range.
Visually, the 1875-S Double Eagle often exhibits the warm, orange-gold or greenish hues typical of San Francisco Mint issues from this era, owing to the copper alloy and West Coast refining processes. The coin’s bold relief and high-quality die work add to its attractiveness, and the presence of any remaining cartwheel luster further enhances its desirability. Even in the MS61 grade, many examples show dynamic contrast between the frosted devices and the smoother fields, giving the coin depth and character.
Historically, the year 1875 was part of a transformative decade in U.S. monetary history. The nation was on a gold standard, and gold coinage like the Double Eagle was a critical component of both domestic and international commerce. The San Francisco Mint—often referred to as the “Granite Lady”—played an essential role in turning Western-mined gold into hard currency. Coins such as this 1875-S were not only used in commerce but also stored in government vaults and shipped abroad in large quantities. The 1870s also marked the last full decade of the Type II design before the introduction of the Type III in 1877, making this coin a key part of the transitional history of the series.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1875-S MS61 PCGS is highly valued by collectors of Liberty Head Double Eagles, Western mint issues, and those assembling complete type or date-and-mintmark sets of 19th-century gold coinage. Its Mint State designation, certified by PCGS, affirms the coin’s originality and enduring quality. Whether added to a pre-1933 U.S. gold portfolio, displayed for its historical narrative, or acquired as a numismatic investment, the 1875-S MS61 represents a powerful combination of American craftsmanship, gold wealth, and national legacy.