1854-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle MS-62 PCGS

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In 1854, the United States Mint opened its branch in San Francisco to process the immense wealth of the California Gold Rush. Among the very first issues of this new Western facility was the twenty-dollar gold piece, known as the Liberty Double Eagle. Out of a total mintage of 141,468 struck that year, very few have survived in exceptional condition. This particular specimen is certified in Mint State 62 (MS-62), representing an extraordinary survivor from a pivotal moment in American monetary history. Crafted from 0.900 fine gold with a precious metal content of 0.9675 troy ounces, the coin features the classic Liberty design on the obverse, accompanied by the date 1854. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle surrounded by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination TWENTY D. The tiny letter S is positioned below the eagle, marking its origin at the newly established San Francisco facility. Exploring this coin offers a direct connection to the early days of Western coin production, preserved in a remarkable state of preservation.