The 1882-S is fairly similar in rarity to the 1878-S, but it is more available in higher grades than this date, as well as the other early San Francisco Mint Type Three double eagles.

Expert’s Corner: 1882-S Double Eagle

I tend to avoid this date in grades below MS61, but I think it is very good value in MS62 and in MS63 as well. Look for coins with fewer than MS63 Population Total without Pluses: 77 (as of 11/18/22) average marks and nice natural color.

For some reason, this is not as well made an issue as the 1880-S or the 1881-S. Many are weakly struck on the obverse with below-average details seen on the hair of Liberty and incomplete radial lines in the stars. The reverse is sometimes weak at the center, showing most often on the horizontal lines in the shield. As on most early Type Three issues, regardless of date or mint, the surfaces are usually very heavily abraded, and the surfaces on many 1882-S are often seen with deep, detracting marks.  

The 1882-S Double Eagle: Surface Quality and Collector Demand

There are a small number known with cleaner than usual fields, and these can be found with some patience. A number have mint-made copper spotting. This is not considered to be detracting unless they are extensive. The luster is most often a frosty texture. The natural coloration is bright rose-gold and green-gold. Locating a nice quality 1882-S with good eye appeal is quite a bit easier than it is for the 1877-1881 San Francisco issues, but this is still not an easy date to find in MS62 and above.