The 1870-S is numismatically significant as the final year of issue for gold dollars at the San Francisco mint. This issue did not see much circulation (unlike the earlier Type Three dollars from this mint) and it is seen most often in AU55 to MS62. It is scarce in MS63 and rare in grades higher. I am aware of four or five Gems.

This example is characterized by dazzling multi-hued toning with bluish-green, rose and orange-gold visible, in slightly different patterns, on both sides. The strike is sharp for the issue with a fully detailed central reverse and the luster is satiny as is typical for the issue. Some grade-limiting ticks can be seen in the left obverse field and at the central reverse. Overall, the eye appeal is excellent for the issue.

Only two MS63 1870-S gold dollars have sold at auction since 2008. The last, graded by PCGS, brought $6,463 as Heritage 2/13: 3916 while an NGC graded example realized $6,613 as Heritage 5/08: 2935.

All in all, a premium example of the last branch mint gold dollar.