Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
1932 $20 MS64 PCGS. The final five collectible issues in the Saint-Gaudens double eagle series (1929, 1930-S, 1931, 1931-D, and 1932) are usually considered together as an elite group known as the "Late Date" Saints. All the issues in this group are elusive keys to the series, thanks to the government ban on private gold ownership that began in 1933, and the resulting confiscation and melting of almost all the gold coins minted during these years. A substantial production of 1.1 million double eagles was coined in 1932, but none were ever released to Federal Reverse Banks for distribution and the great majority of the coins were destroyed when the Gold Recall took effect the following year. Probably no more than 95 examples survive from the large reported mintage in all grades today.
The first auction appearance of the 1932 double eagle was probably in lot 1394 of the Needham, Herrick and Others Collections (Thomas Elder, 9/1937), only five years after it was issued. Elder's terse description read, "1932. $20, Same type. Brilliant Uncirculated. Of greatest rarity. None struck for circulation. Value $350." Elder's estimate of the coin's value was high for the time, but the 1932 sells for many multiples of that price today. The current price realized for the issue is $184,000, brought by the MS66+ PCGS example in lot 4652 of the FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012).
The 1932 double eagle is recognized as the second-rarest of the "Late Date" Saints today and the final collectible issue of the series, since only one example of the 1933 issue is currently legal to own. This attractive Choice specimen exhibits well-detailed design elements, with just a trace of the often-seen softness on the fingers of the torch hand and the eagle's belly feathers. The vivid orange-gold surfaces show a few minor contact marks on Liberty's branch arm and the upper obverse field, none worthy of individual mention. Especially vibrant mint luster adds to the outstanding eye appeal of this elusive series key. Population: 30 in 64 (1 in 64+), 44 finer (10/16).
From The Renz Family Collection of $20 Gold Coins.
1932 $20 MS64 PCGS. The final five collectible issues in the Saint-Gaudens double eagle series (1929, 1930-S, 1931, 1931-D, and 1932) are usually considered together as an elite group known as the "Late Date" Saints. All the issues in this group are elusive keys to the series, thanks to the government ban on private gold ownership that began in 1933, and the resulting confiscation and melting of almost all the gold coins minted during these years. A substantial production of 1.1 million double eagles was coined in 1932, but none were ever released to Federal Reverse Banks for distribution and the great majority of the coins were destroyed when the Gold Recall took effect the following year. Probably no more than 95 examples survive from the large reported mintage in all grades today.
The first auction appearance of the 1932 double eagle was probably in lot 1394 of the Needham, Herrick and Others Collections (Thomas Elder, 9/1937), only five years after it was issued. Elder's terse description read, "1932. $20, Same type. Brilliant Uncirculated. Of greatest rarity. None struck for circulation. Value $350." Elder's estimate of the coin's value was high for the time, but the 1932 sells for many multiples of that price today. The current price realized for the issue is $184,000, brought by the MS66+ PCGS example in lot 4652 of the FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012).
The 1932 double eagle is recognized as the second-rarest of the "Late Date" Saints today and the final collectible issue of the series, since only one example of the 1933 issue is currently legal to own. This attractive Choice specimen exhibits well-detailed design elements, with just a trace of the often-seen softness on the fingers of the torch hand and the eagle's belly feathers. The vivid orange-gold surfaces show a few minor contact marks on Liberty's branch arm and the upper obverse field, none worthy of individual mention. Especially vibrant mint luster adds to the outstanding eye appeal of this elusive series key. Population: 30 in 64 (1 in 64+), 44 finer (10/16).
From The Renz Family Collection of $20 Gold Coins.