Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
1920-S $20 MS61 NGC. The 1920-S double eagle was produced in the quantity of 558,000 pieces, divided into relatively regular deliveries from the Coiner throughout the month of May and extending into June. Most coins went into storage and were presumably melted in the 1930s. PCGS publishes on their Population Report an estimate of only 100 to 150 survivors in all grades, although recent research by Roger Burdette suggests that as many as 200 pieces may be extant. What is undisputed is that the 1920-S is a scarce date in all grades. Including duplicate appearances, we have handled only 88 examples of this actively traded issue, mostly clustered in the AU and lower Mint State conditions, where average collectors have a chance of actually acquiring an example.
The present MS61 coin, at first glance, appears finer than the stated grade, although a loupe reveals contact marks on the devices and some stray lines in the fields that limit the numeric assessment. The devices are sharply struck, and soft, satiny luster attractively illuminates the yellow-gold fields. Census: 11 in 61, 39 finer (10/16).
1920-S $20 MS61 NGC. The 1920-S double eagle was produced in the quantity of 558,000 pieces, divided into relatively regular deliveries from the Coiner throughout the month of May and extending into June. Most coins went into storage and were presumably melted in the 1930s. PCGS publishes on their Population Report an estimate of only 100 to 150 survivors in all grades, although recent research by Roger Burdette suggests that as many as 200 pieces may be extant. What is undisputed is that the 1920-S is a scarce date in all grades. Including duplicate appearances, we have handled only 88 examples of this actively traded issue, mostly clustered in the AU and lower Mint State conditions, where average collectors have a chance of actually acquiring an example.
The present MS61 coin, at first glance, appears finer than the stated grade, although a loupe reveals contact marks on the devices and some stray lines in the fields that limit the numeric assessment. The devices are sharply struck, and soft, satiny luster attractively illuminates the yellow-gold fields. Census: 11 in 61, 39 finer (10/16).