I remember when this date was very difficult to find in MS63. It is now still scarce and a favorite of mine.

Expert’s Corner: 1884-S Double Eagle

I like the fact that it is an earlier dated San Francisco issue of this type that is more affordable in higher grades. The 1884-S is among the best produced pre-1900 double eagles from the San Francisco Mint. The strike is usually very bold with nearly full definition on the obverse and reverse. The surfaces are abraded on most pieces, but it is easier to find a reasonably clean example than any of the 1877-1883 issues from this mint. 

1884-S Double Eagle – Excellent Eye Appeal and Overseas Finds

The luster is excellent with many coins having a thick, frosty texture that is quite appealing. A few semi-proof-like pieces are known. The coloration on uncleaned, original pieces is often a rich rose-gold or green-gold hue. The level of eye appeal can be far above average, and the date collector should be able to find a pleasing 1884-S without much effort.

This date has become more available in the past decade, as hundreds of uncirculated pieces have been found in Europe and other overseas sources.