The 1885-S is one of the more common San Francisco Type Three double eagles struck at this mint prior to 1890.

Expert’s Corner: 1885-S Double Eagle

The 1885-S is one of the few “early date” San Francisco Type Three double eagles that can be found in MS63 for a reasonable price. I personally like this issue.

The strike on most 1885-S double eagles is not quite as sharp as on the other San Francisco issues of this era. The obverse can show flatness at the centers of the stars as well as on the top of Liberty’s head. The reverse is sharper, typically having complete definition at the center and on the eagle’s feathers. The surfaces are often heavily bagmarked. Some 1885-S double eagles are copper spotted and seen most often at the obverse border.