Unlike many other of the San Francisco double eagles of this era, the population of higher grade 1855-S double eagles has not been unduly influenced by shipwreck coins. The 1855-S is an issue that is usually found in well-circulated grades as it saw considerable use in local commerce. Uncirculated examples are rare and are almost impossible to locate above MS62. PCGS shows six in MS62, two in MS63 and a single example in MS65; this does not include S.S. Central America examples.

This is a frosty and well detailed example with rich yellow-gold color, in slightly different configurations, on the obverse and reverse. There are a few marks clustered in the left obverse field that limit that grade but this piece has an extremely fresh apearance and real eye appeal for the date and grade.

The last PCGS MS61 to sell at auction ( Heritage 7/12: 5077)  brought $21,850 but this coin was an S.S. Central America. The last non-SSCA example to sell in a PCGS MS61 holder was Heritage 3/10: 2587, at $10,925. In their July 2011 auction, Heritage sold an NGC MS61 (as Lot 4996) for $13,800.

This San Francisco double eagle is historically significant as just the second year of issue from this mint and it is an important condition rarity for the advanced Type One collector.

CAC has approved twoin this grade with just one finer.