1870-S GOLD DOLLAR

PCGS Nos: 7570

Mintage:
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 

Images courtesy of Superior Galleries

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 - Superior Galleries "Pre-Long Beach" Elite Coin Auction, May 25-27, 2003, Lot 3557, sold for $9,775.00
Notes:
The finest example graded by PCGS is a single MS-66.

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"The PCGS Population Report, April 2004" by The Professional Coin Grading Service