1867-S $20 (1867-S Double Eagle) NGC AU53. Type 2 Double Eagle. Here is a boldly struck, lustrous, Western branch mint, Type 2 1867-S Double Eagle that could have easily graded a few points higher. Full details are seen on the centers of the stars and all of the design elements of the reverse. Bright mint luster shimmers from the protected areas of both sides. Just a trace of wear is seen on the highest points of the design. The surfaces are original, clean, and, for the grade, free of individual distractions worthy of mention. The vertical lines on the obverse and the diagonal line on the right side of the reverse are on the holder not the coin.

The San Francisco Mint opened in 1854 because of the need to coin gold resulting from the California Gold Rush. In the West there was an abundance of gold bullion, nuggets and dust; however, there was also an acute shortage of circulating coinage. Congress authorized this mint to relive the shortage and coin silver and gold and because transportation of bullion to Philadelphia was time consuming and hazardous. Because of its proximity to the Gold Rush area, San Francisco was chosen as the site of the new mint. In 1874 it moved into a new building called the Old United States Mint or the Granite Lady. It is one of the few structures that survived the earthquake of 1906. It remained in service as a mint until 1938, when the present facility opened.

In its first year of operation the Mint made four million dollars in gold coins from bullion. The second building, the Old United States Mint, was designed by Alfred B. Mullett in Greek Revival style. It was built in an E-shape with a central pediment portico. There was a completely enclosed courtyard that had a well. It was these features that saved it in the fire that resulted from the earthquake of 1906. The building was situated on a concrete and granite foundation that was made to prevent tunneling into its vaults. In 1906 there was $300 million, a third of the United States gold reserves, in its vaults. Frank Leach and his men worked heroically to successfully preserve the building and the bullion. The mint was able to resume service and operated until 1937. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.