1920-S $20 MS63 PCGS....

Description

Select 1920-S Double Eagle
Prime Condition and Absolute Rarity
Only 16 Coins Certified Finer at PCGS

1920-S $20 MS63 PCGS. The 1920-S Saint-Gaudens double eagle is one of the premier rarities in the series, especially in high grade. David Akers considers the '20-S the fifth rarest coin of the 53 coin series in absolute terms, after the 1921, 1927-D, 1930-S, and the currently uncollectible 1933. The 1920-S holds an even higher place in the rarity rankings when collectors seek a high quality piece. Excluding the "impossible" 1933, only the 1921 is more difficult to locate in high grades. Experts estimate only 65-75 coins survive in all Mint State grades.
The double eagle denomination actually circulated to some extent in the western United States before World War I, but coinage of twenty dollar gold pieces was discontinued after 1916, when the country entered the war. When coinage was finally resumed in 1920, the role of the double eagle had changed. The public had become accustomed to paper money, and the big gold pieces no longer circulated in the regional economy, much like the half dollar denomination today. Most of the double eagles minted after 1920 were held in Treasury vaults or domestic banks as backing for gold certificates, or used in foreign trade. These coins were easily rounded up and melted after the Gold Recall of 1933. Almost the entire mintage of the 1920-S, 558,000 pieces, was destroyed in this manner. While many dates in the later Saint-Gaudens series suffered the same fate, the 1920-S is the first date to experience this kind of rarity, due to melting.
The present coin is a sharply detailed Select specimen, with just the slightest touch of softness on the Capitol building. The surfaces display rich orange-gold color, with green highlights, and vibrant, frosty mint luster. A few minor abrasions on both sides account for the grade, but do little to diminish the considerable visual appeal. Population: 11 in 63, 16 finer (1/11).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26FZ, PCGS# 9171, GSID# 10175)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 558,000

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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