1889-S Double Eagle $20 MS64 PCGS. This is an extremely important offering. Neither PCGS nor NGC have ever graded a finer example of the date, a true condition rarity. Over the years, we have only offered two previous examples of this date at the MS64 grade level.

In A Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins, Dave Bowers gave this date only a half page, stating simply: "The formula for San Francisco Mint double eagles of the 1880s holds true for this, the concluding year: examples are readily available in circulated grades and in Mint State from 60 to 62. Any higher grade coin is rare, curiously so." A sharply struck and highly lustrous near-Gem with frosty yellow-gold surfaces.

Faint pinkish overtones are noted on each side, mostly hidden within the devices. Aside from the usual tiny chatter, the surfaces are free of any distracting marks. Population: 8 in 64, 0 finer.