1870-S GOLD DOLLAR

Circulation strikes: 3,000
Proofs: 0
Designer: James Barton Longacre
Diameter: ±14.3 millimeters
Metal content: Gold - 90%   Silver and Copper - 10%
Weight: ±25.8 grains (±1.7 grams)
Edge: Reeded
Mintmark: "S" (for San Francisco, CA) below the wreath on the reverse

Significant examples:

PCGS MS-64 (illustrated above).  From Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach Sale", June 5-7, 2000, Lot 2066, where it was described as follows: "1870S PCGS MS64 One of only 6 graded, with 16 higher, the 1870-S being an elusive year and mint combination. After it was struck, the San Francisco Mint ceased      manufacturing Gold Dollars; what production there was for the denomination fell to the mint at Philadelphia.  The present offering is a gleaming, satiny coin that has superb detail, and nearly superb luster preservation." Price Realized = $7,015.00

Recent appearances:

• PCGS MS-64.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries, "The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part IV Sale", November 20-21, 2000, Lot 76, illustrated, sold for $8,050.00
• PCGS MS-62   Ex - Bowers and Ruddy's Marks Collection, November 1972, lot 979 - H.W. Bass II sale, Bowers and Merena, Inc., lot 178 - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "The California Sale", October 2-3, 2000, Lot 653 @$2,990.00
• NGC MS-61.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s, "Summer 2001 Long Beach Signature Sale", May 31-June 2, 2001, Lot 8810, not plated, sold for $1,840.00
• AU-55.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000 Signature Sale", August 6-7, 2000, Lot 5658, not illustrated, sold for $1,035.00
• About Uncirculated.  Ex- Stack's "The September Sale", September 12-13, 2000, Lot 1429 @$149.50 

The finest example graded by PCGS is a single MS-66.