The 1885-S Liberty Head Double Eagle is a rare and valuable coin that has a fascinating history. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, fewer of these coins were produced that year due to a drop in gold and silver deposits. Out of the 683,500 coins minted, most were used in trade, with some being sent overseas and others kept to back up gold certificates.
Historical Scandal at the San Francisco Mint
1885 was also the year of a scandal at the San Francisco Mint. A dishonest employee in charge of melting and refining gold was caught stealing small amounts of metal by producing underweight gold ingots that were still technically within legal limits. This scandal led to the suspension of Mint Superintendent Col. E.F. Burton, along with other staff changes.
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Rarity and Auction Prices
For a long time, uncirculated 1885-S Double Eagles were hard to find. Coin expert David W. Akers mentioned in 1982 that only a few uncirculated examples had ever been seen at auction. However, large numbers of these coins resurfaced in the 1980s and 1990s, making them more accessible to collectors.
Despite their increased availability, these coins are still valuable. Back in 1968, a brilliant uncirculated version was sold for just $75. Today, prices have skyrocketed, with some specimens fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
Notable Auction Sales
Here are a few noteworthy auction sales of the 1885-S Liberty Head Double Eagle:
- PCGS MS65 (The Fairmont Collection – Hendricks Set): Sold for $44,400 in April 2022.
- PCGS MS64+ CAC (The Fairmont Collection – Kronen Set): Sold for $10,200 in November 2023.
- PCGS MS64+ CAC (The Fairmont Collection – CAG Set): Sold for $14,400 in March 2023.
Design Features of the 1885-S Liberty Head Double Eagle
- Obverse (Front): The obverse features Lady Liberty, with her hair tied in a bun and a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, circle her profile, with the date “1885” beneath her.
- Reverse (Back): The reverse shows a heraldic eagle surrounded by 13 stars and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The eagle’s shield is flanked by banners inscribed with “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Around the outer edge are the words “United States of America” and the denomination “Twenty Dollars” with the S mintmark above the gap between “Twenty” and “Dollars.”
- Edge: The edge of the coin is reeded, a common feature of many U.S. coins to deter counterfeiting.
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Why It’s a Must-Have for Collectors?
The 1885-S Liberty Head Double Eagle isn’t just another gold coin. It’s a piece of American history with a unique backstory, a rare design, and high value among collectors. Whether you’re drawn by its beautiful design or its historical significance, this coin is a true gem for any collection.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.