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1875-S Twenty Cents PCGS MS66

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 11,000.00 USD
1875-S Twenty Cents PCGS MS66
Although the Western silver producers were selling large amounts of silver to the mints at a decent price in the early 1870s, due to the acquiescence of the Mint Director, Linderman, it never seemed enough. Aggressive Nevada Senator Jones attempted to improve the situation by introducing legislation for a twenty-cent piece, producing the claim that storekeepers in the West were shortchanging customers on the grounds that no five-cent pieces were on hand. There were plenty of half dimes in circulation in that area, but no one bothered to mention that fact to Senator Jones.

At any rate, Congress did authorize the new coins, but they were the "original" Susan B. Anthony dollars and about as popular as the later model. Authority to coin them was revoked in 1878 and they were quickly forgotten, except by numismatists.

The typical 1875-S in Mint State has been rather indifferently preserved or poorly made, often with substandard luster and noticeable softness on the major design elements (particularly the eagle's left wingtip). As a result most fall into the MS62-63 grade range and it is unusual to find an example that surpasses the Choice level. All it takes is one glimpse at this amazing coin to recognize that it is really something special: bold and gleaming fresh, something to run your eyes over for hours on end in admiration. There are a few faint "die finishing" lines through the eagle and Liberty and these are common to much of the San Francisco mint issue. (#5298)