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1931 $20 MS66 NGC....

Lot: 1985, Auction: 2009 September Long Beach, CA Signature US Coin Auction #1129

Sold for: Not Sold
Ended: Sep 10, 2009
Item Activity: 9 Internet/mail bidders
1,457 page views

Description:

Exceptional MS66 1931 Double Eagle
A Classic Double Eagle Rarity

1931 $20 MS66 NGC. The 1931 issue, like its brethren the 1930-S, the 1931-D, and 1932, is a classic rarity issued late in the history of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle series. The original mintage figure of 2.9 million-plus pieces is meaningless; the low survival rate, after the great Gold Recall of 1933, makes this issue among the rarest series issues. In our The Coinage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens as Illustrated by the Phillip H. Morse Collection, we made the following comments about the 1931:

"Among late date (1929-1932) issues of Saint-Gaudens double eagles, the 1931-P is probably the one with the least clearly-defined relative rarity ranking. Some numismatists rank it second in overall population rarity only to the 1930-S, a step ahead of the 1932 and 1931-D and, of course, the 1929. Others believe the 1931, while rarer than the 1929, is less available than the other three late-date issues. Our experience leads us to side with the former camp regarding the relative rarity of the 1931."

The present example is not only rare in the absolute sense, but its phenomenal preservation also makes it a conditional rarity of the first order. Most of the Mint State survivors are in the ranges from MS61-MS64, although Gems are occasionally available as well. Premium Gems are another story altogether, as NGC and PCGS combined have certified 14 submissions at that level, a figure that almost certainly includes duplications (8/09). Only a single coin, an MS67 PCGS example formerly in the Phillip H. Morse Collection, has been certified finer at either service.
This MS66 coin possesses delightfully appealing surfaces, with consistent, rich orange-gold coloration throughout. We note for pedigree purposes a couple of minor ticks on Liberty's left (facing) thigh, and a contact mark that passes through several rays of the sun in the obverse left field. There is a tiny dotlike planchet indentation, as made, below the B of LIBERTY. These minor distractions are more than offset by wonderful luster, the overall bold strike, and a high-end reverse that approaches an even finer grade.
We expect exceptionally strong bidding in this healthy gold market for this, one of the finest representatives available of this major double eagle rarity.
From The Vegas Collection.(Registry values: N10218) (#9192)

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The Coinage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens: as Illustrated by the Phillip H. Morse Collection
By James L. Halperin, Mark Van Winkle, Jon Amato and Gregory J. Rohan

The Coinage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens is an issue-by-issue examination of these two artistically inspired series of gold coins. Each date and mintmark is reviewed with up-to-date information, much of which has never been previously published. The book is based on the extraordinary collection of Phillip H. Morse. When Morse's collection was sold in November 2005 it brought $19.2 million with many records broken for both rare and common coins.

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Previous Prices from Heritage Auctions

Lot Date Grade Service Realized
Auction 370, Lot 62018 Friday, November 30, 2007 66 PCGS $126,500.00
Auction 422, Lot 3308 Saturday, January 6, 2007 66 PCGS $132,250.00
Auction 392, Lot 6711 Thursday, November 3, 2005 66 PCGS $115,000.00
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PLEASE NOTE: All prices realized reflect the final hammer price PLUS the buyer's premium in auctions that charge a buyer's premium. Each item has a notation at the top of the listing indicating whether that lot included a buyer's premium. All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. Please use this guide carefully and inform us of any inaccuracies.

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