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The Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1891-S MS63 PCGS is a superior Mint State example from the later years of the Liberty Head Double Eagle series, representing both the artistic consistency and economic strength of late 19th-century U.S. coinage. Graded MS63 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this coin is fully uncirculated with strong luster, a sharp strike, and only minor contact marks consistent with its grade. Produced at the San Francisco Mint, the 1891-S stands as a testament to the enduring quality of Western gold coinage and occupies a desirable position in the marketplace for collectors and investors seeking high-grade pre-1933 U.S. gold.
The obverse features James B. Longacre’s elegant portrait of Lady Liberty, facing left and adorned with a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY.” Her hair is styled in a bun with flowing curls, and the design is encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The date “1891” is positioned beneath the portrait. On this MS63 example, Liberty’s profile, hair, and coronet are crisply rendered, with frosty texture and minimal disturbances in the surrounding fields. Contact marks are light and largely confined to less visually prominent areas, allowing the overall strike and luster to dominate the presentation.
The reverse displays the Type III design introduced in 1877, featuring a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and a bundle of arrows. A scroll inscribed with “IN GOD WE TRUST” floats above the eagle, with thirteen stars forming an arc above that. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” form a bold outer ring. The “S” mintmark beneath the eagle’s tail feathers identifies the San Francisco Mint as the issuing facility. On this MS63-certified coin, the eagle’s feather detail, shield lines, and surrounding devices are sharp, with the fields displaying minimal scuffing and vibrant cartwheel luster.
Each 1891-S Double Eagle is struck from 90% gold and 10% copper, with a weight of 33.44 grams and a diameter of 34 millimeters. Containing 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold, the $20 Liberty was the highest denomination in regular circulation and was used primarily for bank reserves, large transactions, and international commerce. San Francisco, by 1891, had been the leading producer of Double Eagles for decades, thanks to its close proximity to the gold-rich regions of California and the West. The mint’s output played a vital role in supplying circulating gold coinage not only across the Western U.S. but also abroad.
The total mintage of the 1891-S $20 Liberty was 1,051,500 coins—a substantial number for the series. However, most of these coins were either circulated heavily or shipped overseas and later melted. As a result, while the date is not rare in circulated grades, it is significantly more difficult to obtain in Mint State, particularly in higher grades. MS63 examples are notably scarcer than their lower-grade counterparts and are highly sought after by collectors building complete Mint State type sets or focusing on San Francisco Mint gold coinage.
PCGS’s MS63 grade certifies that this coin is strictly uncirculated, with full strike detail and strong eye appeal. In this grade, contact marks are present but small and well-dispersed, with no single distraction dominating the surfaces. MS63 coins show noticeably improved luster and overall sharpness compared to MS60–MS62 examples, making them ideal for collectors who want a coin with premium visual quality without entering the significantly more expensive MS64 or MS65 range. Coins at this level often offer excellent value and long-term stability in the numismatic market.
Visually, the 1891-S in MS63 often displays radiant luster across its surfaces, with color ranging from light yellow-gold to deeper honey or orange tones, depending on the specific alloy mix and storage history. San Francisco Mint coins from this period are prized for their consistent strike quality and surface detail, and this coin is no exception. The devices are well-defined, the rims are full, and the denticles are sharp. Combined with the relatively clean fields for the grade, the coin has strong display appeal and stands out among many of its peers from the era.
Historically, the 1890s were a time of continued U.S. economic growth and increased global trade, with gold coinage playing a critical role in maintaining the country’s international financial credibility. The Double Eagle remained a key component in national and international reserves, serving as both legal tender and a symbol of U.S. financial stability. The San Francisco Mint’s continued production of Double Eagles during this time reflected the growing importance of Western gold in the U.S. monetary system and its influence on the global stage.
Today, the Certified U.S. Gold $20 Liberty 1891-S MS63 PCGS is a compelling acquisition for collectors of Liberty Head gold, San Francisco Mint issues, or pre-1933 U.S. coinage. It offers a combination of strong eye appeal, historical depth, and significant intrinsic value, all backed by the PCGS guarantee of authenticity and grade. As higher-grade examples become increasingly difficult to acquire, MS63 remains a strategic choice for those seeking uncirculated quality without entering the elite, high-premium territory of near-gem or gem coins. Whether added to a type set, held as a bullion-backed asset, or collected for its artistry and legacy, the 1891-S Double Eagle in MS63 represents one of the most enduring and attractive pieces of American numismatics.