1859-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS63 (CAC)

A standout, CAC-endorsed example of a highly collectible San Francisco Type One double eagle, this **1859-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle graded PCGS MS63 (CAC)** offers the ideal blend of historical importance, visual appeal, and true condition rarity. Struck at the height of Gold Rush-era commerce, the 1859-S is widely regarded as **the most available of the three double eagles dated 1859**, making it a premier choice for collectors building a **year set of Type One Liberty Head Double Eagles**—yet it remains decidedly scarce in genuinely high-grade, problem-free Mint State. ## Coin Highlights & Collector Appeal **Date/Mint:** 1859-S, **San Francisco Mint** **Denomination/Type:** $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, **Type One** **Grade/Certification:** **PCGS MS63** **CAC Approval:** **Yes (CAC)**—a meaningful endorsement for collectors seeking premium quality within the grade **PCGS Population (MS63 and higher):** **2** (per provided data), underscoring elite-level rarity at and above this level ## Historical Significance San Francisco-minted double eagles from this period are tightly linked to the economic engine of the American West. The 1859-S represents a classic pre–Civil War gold issue that circulated in large-value commerce, and survivors with strong overall eye appeal are avidly pursued by both advanced numismatists and type collectors who want a single, iconic example of a Gold Rush-era $20. ## What to Expect on the Issue (1859-S Characteristics) Numismatic specialists recognize the 1859-S as an issue with distinctive “personality,” and this listing is ideal for buyers who value informed, accurate representation: **Strike:** This is **typically a below-average strike** for the date. On the obverse, weakness is frequently seen in the hair curls around the face and below the ear, with additional curls often lacking full definition. The stars—especially those on the left and the final two—can appear weak, often without strong radial lines. On the reverse, softness is commonly noted on the **tail feathers, eagle’s head, and wing tips**. Beveling along the rims may be present, more noticeable on the obverse. **Surfaces:** Many known examples are **heavily abraded**, reflecting the reality that these coins were used in substantial commercial channels. That said, the 1859-S is generally more obtainable with decent surfaces than the 1859-P or 1859-O, making high-end selections especially desirable. **Luster & Color:** Luster on the 1859-S is typically **frosty with a slightly grainy texture**. Collectors often encounter attractive natural gold tones—ranging from warm, rich yellow-gold to deeper honey-gold hues—when original. ## Why This Coin Belongs in a Serious Collection With **PCGS MS63** preservation and **CAC approval**, this 1859-S Liberty Head double eagle delivers the kind of quality that advanced collectors seek: a scarce, historically resonant San Francisco gold issue that stands out within its grade and is exceptionally compelling for type sets, date/mint runs, and pre–Civil War gold collections. **Keywords for search:** 1859-S double eagle, Liberty Head $20, Type One double eagle, San Francisco Mint gold, PCGS MS63 CAC, pre–Civil War gold coin, Gold Rush era coin.