1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. AU-58 (NGC).
This is a handsome and inviting example of one of the rarest collectible issues in the popular Saint-Gaudens double eagle series of 1907 to 1933. Lustrous near-Mint surfaces exhibit vivid deep honey-rose color to a satiny finish. Boldly defined over most features with a pleasing appearance that is sure to catch the eye of advanced gold enthusiasts. The 1920-S is one of the many double eagle issues from the 1920s and 1930s that was melted in quantity in 1937. While 558,000 coins were struck, almost all of them remained in federal vaults until destroyed on government order. Only 100 to 150 examples are believed extant in all grades -- a survival rate of 0.027% that ranks the 1920-S as the fifth rarest Saint-Gaudens double eagle in terms of total number of survivors. Among collectible issues of this type only the 1921, 1927-D and 1930-S are more challenging to locate than the 1920-S. (The fourth issue that ranks ahead of the 1920-S in rarity is the 1933, a non-collectible date of which only one example is currently in private hands.) With Mint State survivors usually appearing on the market only once in a long while, this Choice AU piece represents a fleeting opportunity that should not be overlooked.
PCGS# 9171. NGC ID: 26FZ. To view all items from the Augustana Collection, click here.
From the Augustana Collection.