The 1868-S Double Eagle is a coin which receives very little attention, even from specialists in the Type Two series. While plentiful in lower grades, this is a rare and often overlooked coin in higher grades.

As with the other San Francisco Double Eagles from this era, the 1868-S is typically found with a soft strike. The hair on the obverse rarely shows much in the way of fine detail and the pattern of strike is sometimes mistaken for wear. The obverse border will often show weakness on the radial lines of the stars and on the rim. 

Strike Characteristics, Surface Quality, Luster, and Coloration

The reverse is sharper, but it is not uncommon for the wing tips and the lower portion of the right wing to not be fully struck. Many 1868-S Double Eagles are heavily abraded and are very hard to find with clean, unmarked surfaces. The luster is dull and somewhat grainy with a subdued semi-frosty texture. A few examples exist with very good luster and these are scarce, desirable coins which command a strong premium. The coloration is typical of other San Francisco coins of this era with deep rose gold and orange-green hues seen on uncleaned, original pieces.