The 1889-S Double Eagle has long been an overlooked issue. The modest quantity of beautiful examples sold from the Saddle Ridge Hoard increased collector interest in this date.

Expert’s Corner: 1889-S Double Eagle

The 1889-S Double Eagle is a date that I don’t buy in grades below MS62.

The level of production seen on this date is not as good as it was for many of the other San Francisco double eagles from the 1880s. A number of 1889-S Double Eagle show weakness in the hair and at the centers of the stars on the obverse. The reverse tends to be better struck although on some coins the detail at the center can be a bit fuzzy. The surfaces on most examples are heavily abraded. For some reason, these abrasions are heavier on the obverse than they are on the reverse, often situated in detracting areas such as Liberty’s cheek or the inner left field. The luster is frosty in texture, but it tends to be impaired as a result of the aforementioned surface marks. The coloration on uncleaned, original 1889-S double eagles ranges from a soft rose-gold shade to deep orange gold hues. Locating a piece with good eye appeal is quite hard as most show severe marks.