1870-S $20.00 PCGS EF45 OGH

Old Green Label Holder. By today's standards this coin grades AU50 to AU53 but there are a few noticeable mint-made grease stains on the right obverse. Light yellow-gold color covers very lustrous surfaces. This is a tougher date than many collectors realize although it sells for virtually no premium over a common Type Two issue in this grade.

1870-S $20.00 PCGS AU58 CAC

This extremely high end example almost certainly never entered circulation but has a tiny amount of friction on the high spots from shipment in a bag. It displays lovely rose-gold and light green colors on the obverse and reverse and the surfaces are extremely clean with just a few light scuffs. The luster is hard and frosty while the strike is as sharp as I can recall having seen for this date. The 1870-S is not a scarce issue in circulated grades but "Gem Sliders" like this are extremely hard to find. This date becomes rare in Uncirculated and it is almost impossible to find above MS60/61. Trends jumps to $9,500 in MS60, making a high end AU58 at less than half the price seem to be especially good value. This is one of three examples in AU58 approved by CAC; none graded higher have received a CAC sticker.