The 1891-S Double Eagle and the 1894-S are the most common San Francisco double eagles struck prior to 1895.

Expert’s Corner: 1891-S Double Eagle

I do not generally buy and sell 1891-S double eagles in grades below MS63. I still like this date in MS63 and in MS64, and I have handled enough to know that properly graded pieces are far rarer than generally assumed.

This is a well-made issue. Most examples are well struck on the obverse and reverse with strong hair and feather details. Some show weakness on the obverse stars and on selected denticles. The surfaces are usually abraded, but this is an easier date to find with reasonably choice fields than most other San Francisco double eagles from the 19th century. The luster is excellent with a rich, frosty texture seen most regularly. There are some semi-proof-like 1891-S double eagles known, as well as a small number of fully reflective proof-like coins.