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FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
1930-S $20 MS63 PCGS. CAC. Up until the late 1940s or early 1950s, the 1930-S double eagle, while acknowledged to be rare, was thought to be less so than several other issues in the Saint-Gaudens series. The 1930-S has gained increasing recognition over the last few decades as the rarest of the five issues from 1929 through 1932. In fact, it is considered the third-rarest issue in the entire series, behind only the uncollectible 1933 and the legendary 1927-D.
To provide clearer perspective on the gradual recognition the 1930-S has achieved, consider the remarks that David Akers wrote when he was cataloging the example in the phenomenal Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection (Akers Numismatics, 5/1998, lot 119):
"... the 1930-S is one of the greatest rarities in this ever popular series. Since virtually all of the relatively few known specimens are mint state, it is obvious that this issue never saw actual circulation, and it is more than likely that the entire mintage (74,000 pieces, very small by Saint-Gaudens standards) was melted. The specimens that exist today were, in all probability, obtained by collectors or visitors directly from the Mint in the year of issue. In terms of the total number of specimens known, there are undoubtedly fewer 1930-S double eagles than there are examples of any collectible regular issue in this series other than the 1927-D. ... This is in contrast to its relative rarity ranking of 50 years ago when the 1930-S was considered to be only the fourth rarest S Mint issue of the series after the 1924-S, 1926-S and 1927-S. It was also felt to be significantly less rare than the 1926-D, 1921, and the 1931-D. It is difficult to say for sure, but the total number of 1930-S Double Eagles known is probably in the range of only 50-60 pieces."
This Select Uncirculated example is sharply struck overall, as usual, with minor softness on the pillars of the Capitol building. The appealing surfaces frosty luster and a few grazes in the left obverse field. Other minor marks occur on the sun and near the eagle's head. The beautiful color is typical for the 1930-S, orange-gold with blushes of rose. A pendant-shaped die lump in the interior of the 0 in the date and a near-horizontal die line runs from the rim near 3 o'clock to a ray of the sun are diagnostic. Astute specialists in this series will recognize this offering for the significant opportunity it provides, and act accordingly. Population: 7 in 63, 31 finer. CAC: 2 in 63, 11 finer (10/16).
Ex: Summer FUN Signature (Heritage, 7/2010), lot 5045.
From The Renz Family Collection of $20 Gold Coins.
1930-S $20 MS63 PCGS. CAC. Up until the late 1940s or early 1950s, the 1930-S double eagle, while acknowledged to be rare, was thought to be less so than several other issues in the Saint-Gaudens series. The 1930-S has gained increasing recognition over the last few decades as the rarest of the five issues from 1929 through 1932. In fact, it is considered the third-rarest issue in the entire series, behind only the uncollectible 1933 and the legendary 1927-D.
To provide clearer perspective on the gradual recognition the 1930-S has achieved, consider the remarks that David Akers wrote when he was cataloging the example in the phenomenal Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection (Akers Numismatics, 5/1998, lot 119):
"... the 1930-S is one of the greatest rarities in this ever popular series. Since virtually all of the relatively few known specimens are mint state, it is obvious that this issue never saw actual circulation, and it is more than likely that the entire mintage (74,000 pieces, very small by Saint-Gaudens standards) was melted. The specimens that exist today were, in all probability, obtained by collectors or visitors directly from the Mint in the year of issue. In terms of the total number of specimens known, there are undoubtedly fewer 1930-S double eagles than there are examples of any collectible regular issue in this series other than the 1927-D. ... This is in contrast to its relative rarity ranking of 50 years ago when the 1930-S was considered to be only the fourth rarest S Mint issue of the series after the 1924-S, 1926-S and 1927-S. It was also felt to be significantly less rare than the 1926-D, 1921, and the 1931-D. It is difficult to say for sure, but the total number of 1930-S Double Eagles known is probably in the range of only 50-60 pieces."
This Select Uncirculated example is sharply struck overall, as usual, with minor softness on the pillars of the Capitol building. The appealing surfaces frosty luster and a few grazes in the left obverse field. Other minor marks occur on the sun and near the eagle's head. The beautiful color is typical for the 1930-S, orange-gold with blushes of rose. A pendant-shaped die lump in the interior of the 0 in the date and a near-horizontal die line runs from the rim near 3 o'clock to a ray of the sun are diagnostic. Astute specialists in this series will recognize this offering for the significant opportunity it provides, and act accordingly. Population: 7 in 63, 31 finer. CAC: 2 in 63, 11 finer (10/16).
Ex: Summer FUN Signature (Heritage, 7/2010), lot 5045.
From The Renz Family Collection of $20 Gold Coins.