The 1896-S is one of the more common San Francisco double eagles from the 1890s.

Expert’s Corner: 1896-S Double Eagle

For most collectors, MS63 or MS64 is the “right” grade for this date, the grades that I recommend for most sets. Check out the rarity factor on this coin.

The quality of strike is good, but it is not quite as sharp as seen on other San Francisco double eagles from this period. Some have weakness on the radial lines of the obverse stars, and on others, the detail at the top of Liberty’s head and on the bun is not full. The surfaces nearly always are extensively abraded, and a few 1896-S double eagles have mint-made copper spots. The luster is excellent with thick mint frost seen on both the obverse and the reverse.  A few semi-proof-like coins and a few of these are reasonably attractive as they are not overly abraded. The natural coloration ranges from a rich rose-gold hue to medium green-gold with a yellowish-gold overtone.