Heritage World Coin Auctions
CSNS Signature US Coin Sale 1254 26-28 Apr 2017
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Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
1921 $20 AU55 PCGS. CAC. The 1921 double eagle is similar in rarity and desirability to the 1920-S issue. The PCGS website estimates that about 150 examples of the 1921 are known, and both dates are rare in near-Gem and finer grades.
At least two 1921 double eagle specimens are known to repose in institutional cabinets. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth write in their Gold Coins Encyclopedia that both the American Numismatic Society and the Smithsonian Institution "contain a superb gem example of the date."
As with many double eagle issues from this decade, the relatively generous production of 528,500 pieces is rendered meaningless by the mass meltings of the 1930s. David Akers (2008) states: "Virtually the entire mintage remained in federal holding until destroyed during the gold call of the 1930." Unlike some other Saint-Gaudens double eagle issues, no large quantities of the 1921 have turned up from foreign holdings. Indeed, the only mention of a "hoard" is found in Breen's 1988 Encyclopedia "... about 5 from European sources since 1981."
According to the Heritage auction archives, the 1921 double eagle has made approximately 130 appearances through the major auction houses over the past 20-year period. The vast majority of these have been in circulated grades or Uncirculated condition through near-Gem. The handful of appearances grading MS65 or MS66 affirm the condition rarity of this important issue.
The 1921 is one of the few Saint-Gaudens double eagles that is seen with some frequency in circulated grades. The coin offered here is an attractive Choice AU specimen, with sharply detailed design elements that show just a touch of wear on the highest points. The pleasing orange-gold surfaces retain much of their original mint luster and show the minimum number of minor abrasions for the grade. The overall presentation is most attractive.
HID02901242017
1921 $20 AU55 PCGS. CAC. The 1921 double eagle is similar in rarity and desirability to the 1920-S issue. The PCGS website estimates that about 150 examples of the 1921 are known, and both dates are rare in near-Gem and finer grades.
At least two 1921 double eagle specimens are known to repose in institutional cabinets. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth write in their Gold Coins Encyclopedia that both the American Numismatic Society and the Smithsonian Institution "contain a superb gem example of the date."
As with many double eagle issues from this decade, the relatively generous production of 528,500 pieces is rendered meaningless by the mass meltings of the 1930s. David Akers (2008) states: "Virtually the entire mintage remained in federal holding until destroyed during the gold call of the 1930." Unlike some other Saint-Gaudens double eagle issues, no large quantities of the 1921 have turned up from foreign holdings. Indeed, the only mention of a "hoard" is found in Breen's 1988 Encyclopedia "... about 5 from European sources since 1981."
According to the Heritage auction archives, the 1921 double eagle has made approximately 130 appearances through the major auction houses over the past 20-year period. The vast majority of these have been in circulated grades or Uncirculated condition through near-Gem. The handful of appearances grading MS65 or MS66 affirm the condition rarity of this important issue.
The 1921 is one of the few Saint-Gaudens double eagles that is seen with some frequency in circulated grades. The coin offered here is an attractive Choice AU specimen, with sharply detailed design elements that show just a touch of wear on the highest points. The pleasing orange-gold surfaces retain much of their original mint luster and show the minimum number of minor abrasions for the grade. The overall presentation is most attractive.
HID02901242017