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The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1885-S MS62 PCGS is an impressive and historically significant Mint State Double Eagle, struck at the San Francisco Mint during a period of robust economic expansion in the United States. Graded Mint State 62 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this coin is a fully uncirculated survivor from a mintage that saw heavy use in commerce, both domestically and internationally. As a product of the Type III Liberty Head series, the 1885-S combines the enduring elegance of 19th-century American coinage with the rugged reliability of San Francisco Mint production, offering collectors and investors a tangible link to the Gilded Age of American prosperity.
The obverse features the iconic design by James B. Longacre: a left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is gathered in a bun, with loose curls cascading down her neck, and thirteen stars encircle her head to represent the original colonies. The date “1885” is boldly struck below the bust. In MS62 condition, this side of the coin retains its full strike detail, with well-defined facial features, coronet lettering, and crisp star points. While some contact marks or minor abrasions may be present, particularly on Liberty’s cheek and in the surrounding fields, these are consistent with the MS62 grade and do not detract significantly from the coin’s overall visual appeal.
The reverse bears the Type III Double Eagle design, which debuted in 1877 and remained in use until the end of the Liberty series in 1907. It features a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other. A ribbon above the eagle displays the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with thirteen stars arranged in an arc above. The outer inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS,” the latter fully spelled out as part of the Type III design modification. The “S” mintmark, placed just below the eagle’s tail feathers, identifies the San Francisco Mint. In this MS62 example, the reverse is sharply rendered, with full feather detail and minimal contact disruptions to the surfaces.
The coin contains 90% gold and 10% copper, weighs 33.44 grams, and has a diameter of 34 millimeters. Its size and gold content—0.9675 troy ounces—make it both a collector’s treasure and an enduring store of wealth. The San Francisco Mint, often called the “Granite Lady,” had become one of the most important coin-producing facilities in the nation by 1885, due in large part to its access to California and Nevada goldfields. The majority of Double Eagles struck at San Francisco were used in large transactions or exported, particularly to Europe and Asia, making Mint State survivors such as this one relatively scarce today.
The mintage for the 1885-S Double Eagle was 683,500 coins, a somewhat lower figure compared to some surrounding years. Many of these coins entered circulation or were lost to melting, and although the 1885-S is not a rare date in the Liberty Head series, Mint State examples graded MS62 or higher are not common. PCGS population reports reflect that MS62 is among the more frequently encountered Mint State grades for this issue, though significantly fewer coins exist in MS63 and above. The MS62 grade offers an appealing balance between quality and affordability for those building a high-grade type or date-mint set.
PCGS’s Mint State 62 grade confirms the coin is completely uncirculated, with full design sharpness and no wear on the high points. The coin will show contact marks, abrasions, or scuffs from bag handling, typically seen in the open fields and on focal areas. These marks are expected for the grade and are balanced by the coin’s strong luster, clean strike, and visual integrity. Many examples in this grade retain excellent eye appeal, especially those that exhibit vibrant cartwheel luster or original color toning.
Visually, the 1885-S Double Eagle in MS62 often displays a warm golden-yellow hue, sometimes with subtle orange or coppery tones due to natural toning over time. San Francisco Mint issues are known for their superior strike quality, and this example typically shows well-articulated details on both sides, including sharp stars, denticles, and full eagle feathering. Luster varies from soft satin to semi-prooflike depending on the die state and preservation, and coins that remain free from spotting or heavy marks are especially sought after in this grade range.
Historically, the year 1885 reflects a time of industrialization and westward momentum in the United States. The country was experiencing significant growth in manufacturing, railroads, and trade, with gold coinage serving as the foundation of the monetary system. San Francisco’s Mint played a crucial role in supplying the booming western economy and shipping gold coinage to meet international obligations. Coins like the 1885-S were often used in high-level commercial banking and export transactions, making their survival in Mint State a noteworthy exception rather than the rule.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1885-S MS62 PCGS is a desirable acquisition for collectors of U.S. gold, fans of San Francisco Mint coinage, and those seeking solid, tangible assets in historic American gold. It serves as a prime example of the Liberty Head Double Eagle series at its economic peak and is appreciated for its classic artistry, historic role, and enduring metal value. Backed by PCGS certification, this coin provides confidence in authenticity and quality, making it a strong addition to both numismatic collections and investment portfolios.