-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 55989
Checkout
The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1881-S MS61 PCGS is a notable Mint State example of late 19th-century American gold coinage, struck at the San Francisco Mint during a period of industrial expansion and growing international influence for the United States. Graded Mint State 61 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this Liberty Head Double Eagle retains full design detail and the luster of an uncirculated coin, despite showing moderate abrasions consistent with the MS61 grade. As a representative of the Type III Double Eagle series, which ran from 1877 to 1907, this piece holds appeal for collectors seeking high-denomination pre-1933 U.S. gold with both historical and aesthetic value.
The obverse features James B. Longacre’s enduring portrait of Lady Liberty, facing left and adorned with a coronet bearing the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is styled in an elegant bun with flowing curls and surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars symbolizing the original colonies. The date “1881” is sharply placed at the bottom. In MS61 condition, the coin shows no wear from circulation and displays full strike detail across the facial features, hair strands, and coronet, although light contact marks and scuffs—typical for the grade—are present in the open fields and on Liberty’s cheek and neck.
The reverse of the coin reflects the Type III Double Eagle design introduced in 1877. The primary difference from earlier types is the spelling out of the denomination as “TWENTY DOLLARS” rather than the abbreviated “TWENTY D.” Seen at the bottom of the coin, this change offers greater clarity and consistency with other denominations. Above, a powerful heraldic eagle holds a shield on its breast and clutches an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing peace and strength. A scroll bearing the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs above the eagle’s head, and thirteen stars form a semicircle above that. Below the eagle, the “S” mintmark denotes the San Francisco Mint. In this MS61 example, the reverse is generally well-struck, with crisp feather detail and bold legends, though minor marks are present, consistent with its assigned grade.
The 1881-S Double Eagle was struck in 90% gold and 10% copper, with a gross weight of 33.44 grams and a diameter of 34 millimeters. These high-denomination gold coins were typically used for major financial transactions and international trade, rather than everyday commerce. They were often stored in bank vaults or shipped abroad for bullion settlements. The San Francisco Mint, known for its proximity to California and Nevada gold supplies, was a crucial hub for producing these coins, serving as the West Coast’s premier minting facility throughout the 19th century.
The total mintage of the 1881-S $20 Liberty was 1,012,000 pieces, making it a relatively plentiful issue among San Francisco Double Eagles. However, Mint State survivors are far fewer in number. Many coins circulated heavily or were melted during the gold confiscation of the 1930s. While the 1881-S is not a key date, MS61 examples certified by PCGS remain desirable due to their preserved condition and the fact that uncirculated examples make up a small percentage of surviving coins. Higher Mint State grades such as MS63 and MS64 exist but are significantly rarer and more expensive.
PCGS’s MS61 grade reflects a coin that is clearly uncirculated, with no signs of wear, but showing noticeable bag marks, contact abrasions, or light scuffing from storage and handling. These marks are typically spread across the coin’s open fields and may be seen on focal points like Liberty’s cheek or the eagle’s wing and shield. Despite these imperfections, the coin retains its full detail and original mint luster, often appearing satiny or slightly frosty in texture. For many collectors, MS61 represents a practical balance between affordability and the satisfaction of owning a true Mint State pre-1933 gold coin.
Visually, 1881-S Double Eagles often feature rich coloration, ranging from bright yellow-gold to deeper orange or rose hues, depending on the copper content of the alloy and environmental factors. Coins from the San Francisco Mint during this era are noted for their strong strikes and consistent production quality, and this example reflects that legacy. Even with surface chatter, the coin offers an attractive overall presentation, especially with sharp device relief and eye-catching luster in the recessed areas.
Historically, 1881 was a year of political transition and economic optimism in the United States. James A. Garfield took office as president in March of that year, though his term was tragically cut short by assassination. The nation was continuing its westward expansion and industrial development, and gold coinage remained essential in financial systems before the full transition to paper-backed money. The San Francisco Mint played a vital role in ensuring a steady supply of coinage for commercial use in the West and abroad, and coins like the 1881-S Double Eagle helped solidify the U.S. as a gold-backed economic power.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1881-S MS61 PCGS is a solid addition to any collection of U.S. gold coinage, Liberty Head types, or 19th-century Mint State coins. It offers an excellent entry point into Mint State Double Eagles with its blend of affordability, large size, intrinsic gold value, and attractive design. For collectors building a date-and-mint set, assembling a Type III set, or simply acquiring a classic American gold piece with enduring visual and historical appeal, this MS61 example delivers impressive quality backed by PCGS certification and over 140 years of numismatic legacy.