1920-S $10 MS62 NGC....

Description

Grand MS62 1920-S Indian Head Eagle
A Classic 20th Century Gold Rarity

1920-S $10 MS62 NGC. This is an issue that has long been acknowledged as one of the prime rarities of U.S. 20th century gold coinage. The 1920-S was the first issue made in the Indian Head eagle series in the four years since the 1916-S, and it would be the last in the series until the generous 1926 production. The 1920-S is a late-series key along with its sibling, the 1930-S. Although the mintage was a respectable 126,500 pieces, Garrett and Guth call the 1920-S third-rarest in the series, behind only the illustrious 1933 and the 1907 Rounded Rim, Periods. Remarkably, such a ranking places the 1920-S ahead of even the 1907 Wire Rim, with a mintage of only 500 coins but a high survival rate.
Akers' recent Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins 1907-1933 notes that even circulated examples in XF or AU are exceedingly rare, the preponderance of the issue most assuredly having been melted during the Gold Recall of 1933. According to Akers:

"The 1920-S is the rarest Indian Eagle in terms of total number of Mint State coins known. Most examples are fairly evenly spread throughout the MS-60 to MS-64 range."

The present MS62 example falls into the middle of that grade range, where NGC has certified six examples, with 12 pieces finer, less duplications. PCGS has graded eight coins in MS62, with 16 finer (9/09). Most specimens of the 1920-S show moderate strike softness, usually on the Indian's hair and the forepart of the eagle's right (facing) wing, right feathers, and talon. At first glance this coin appears considerably finer than the assigned grade, despite a few unbothersome ticks on Liberty's cheek and neck. It is probably more the typical strike softness as we describe here, rather than any other attribute that precludes an even finer grade. Even so, this coin manages to radiate that most ineffable quality, eye appeal, along with a considerable amount of numismatic grandeur.
From The Little Rock Collection.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28H8, PCGS# 8881, Greysheet# 9774)

Weight: 16.72 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

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.

View all of [The Little Rock Collection ]

View Certification Details from NGC