1879-S Double Eagle: Availability in Mint State Grades
Most of the lower end Uncirculated 1879-S double eagles are from small groups that are found in Europe. These pieces tend to be in the MS60 to MS61 range.
There is a variety known that has been described as being an 1879/8-S overdate. It is actually a repunched date and has no premium among specialists.
The 1879-S double eagle is seen most often in AU55 to MS60 grades. It is fairly hard to find in MS61 and very scarce in properly graded MS62. MS63 examples are very rare, and there are a few PCGS has graded MS64.