1930-S $20 MS66 PCGS....

Description

Remarkable and Elusive 1930-S Saint-Gaudens Twenty, MS66
Condition Census and Tied for Finest Certified

1930-S $20 MS66 PCGS. Only four times previously--all in the last five years--have we sold MS66 examples of this storied issue, all for prices well into the six-figure range. The most recent example, in our 2007 FUN Signature Coin Auction #422 (lot 3307), brought $230,000. In our 2005 December Dallas Signature Auction #398, a similarly graded MS66 PCGS piece (lot 2080) yielded $253,000. The Phillip H. Morse Collection specimen, also an MS66, garnered $207,000 in our 2005 November Signature Auction #392 (lot 6709). Finally, a piece in our 2004 August Pittsburgh, PA Signature Sale #352 (lot 7818) fetched $161,001.
Of the 74,000 pieces recorded struck for this issue, virtually all were later melted in the 1930s. Garrett and Guth provide some interesting food for thought concerning the survivors:

"The 1930-S double eagle is a significant rarity that is overshadowed by the 1927-D and speculative 1933 issues. Mercifully for collectors, most of those known are Uncirculated, and the majority are very nice, grading MS-64 or finer. Most show typical sharp strikes with beveled rims and blazing luster. Those that did survive were likely held by American coin collectors or dealers, and it is almost certain that none were shipped overseas from this Western mint."

The Ivy Press publication, The Coinage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens as Illustrated by the Phillip H. Morse Collection, also elevates the 1930-S above such other memorable late-series issues as the 1929, 1931, 1931-D, and 1932:

"The 1930-S is often mentioned in the same breath as the 1931-D, but there is little doubt today that the 1930-S is significantly scarcer than the D-mint, which also makes it the key to the late date series. The 1930-S is second only in overall rarity in the entire series of regular issues to the 1927-D (and obviously the Ultra High Relief). Probably no more than 40-45 individual coins exist today in all grades."

It is interesting that Walter Breen maintains that most 1930-S twenties surviving today came from a small European hoard, while Garrett and Guth make a point of refuting that claim. The preponderance of numismatic evidence, however, tends to side with Garrett and Guth, as most survivors are quite nice and higher-grading than the average hoard coin. As of (6/08), NGC has certified a single MS66 coin, and there are currently five examples so graded at PCGS. There are none graded finer.
Akers mentions that most examples have either a long, nearly horizontal die scratch from the obverse rim at 3 o'clock to a ray, while others have a "strange-looking" date with a raised die lump inside the 0. The former die marker is plain on the present piece.
This '30-S has a special charm and eye appeal that is seldom seen on any date and mintmark combination in the Saint-Gaudens series. In addition to the remarkably clean surfaces over each side, this piece displays a warm reddish glow in the fields, with mildly contrasting pale mint-green color toward the margins. The extraordinarily clean surfaces of this coin are fully frosted. For future pedigree purposes, one tiny horizontal contact mark is seen across the central rays in the left obverse field. This piece, of the highest order of rarity, will be certain to generate much interest on the part of all gold enthusiasts.(Registry values: N1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GM, PCGS# 9191, GSID# 10186)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 1.06oz
Mintage: 74,000

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS