The 1897-S is among the most common San Francisco Mint double eagles struck prior to 1900.

Expert’s Corner: 1897-S Double Eagle

This is a relatively common date, even in grades as high as MS64; however, I still like high-end MS64 coins which are just a mark or two away from the MS65 fivefigure price tag.

This is among the best produced Double Eagles from this mint. The strike is typically very sharp on both the obverse and the reverse with complete detail seen at the centers and the borders. The surfaces are very heavily abraded on most pieces. It is extremely hard to locate a coin which doesn’t show numerous marks, especially in the obverse fields. A few show mint-made copper spotting as well. The luster is excellent with a hard, thick frost present on original specimens. The natural coloration on the 1897-S double eagle ranges from rose-gold to medium green-gold. The level of eye appeal is above average although it can be difficult to locate an example without detracting marks in the fields.