1927-S $20 MS64 NGC....

Description

1927-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, MS64
Rare Branch Mint Issue
Seldom Seen Finer

1927-S $20 MS64 NGC. The San Francisco Mint struck a large production of more than 3.1 million Saint-Gaudens double eagles in 1927, but the issue has always been a front-rank rarity in this popular series. In fact, when collecting large denomination gold coins first became popular in the 1940s, the 1927-S was believed to be the fourth-rarest Saint-Gaudens double eagle, behind the 1924-D, 1926-S, and the 1926-D. Prominent coin dealer B. Max Mehl thought only three or four examples of these issues were extant after the massive meltings that took place after the Gold Recall of 1933 took effect, but rarity rankings changed rapidly in later years. Research by Roger W. Burdette reveals that many double eagles were used in foreign trade during this time frame, putting them safely out of reach of the government recall:

"1927 witnessed the greatest export of U.S. gold coins since 1920. During the year $146,302,604 (equivalent to 7,315,130 double eagles) was shipped to foreign buyers according to Commerce Department figures. Most of this was in newly minted double eagles."

When international trade resumed after World War II, coin dealers found many exported Saint-Gaudens double eagles had survived in European and Latin American banks. Enterprising dealers with good European connections, like Paul Wittlin and Jim Kelly, began repatriating those coins in a big way in the 1950s, significantly increasing the supply of some formerly elusive issues, like the 1924-D, 1926-S and 1926-D. However, only a relatively small number of 1927-S double eagles ever surfaced in foreign holdings, and it is still acknowledged as a major rarity today. The issue is especially elusive in grades above the MS64 level.

The present coin is an impressive Choice example, with razor-sharp definition on all the design elements. The columns in the Capitol are individually countable and Liberty's facial features are sharply rendered. The pleasing orange-gold surfaces are well-preserved and show only scattered, minor signs of contact. Vibrant mint luster radiates from both sides, adding to the outstanding eye appeal. This coin should find a home in a fine collection of Saint-Gaudens double eagles. NGC Census: 13 in 64, 11 finer (11/25).
Ex: Central States Signature (Heritage, 5/2023), lot 3351.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GJ, PCGS# 9188, Greysheet# 10185)

Weight: 33.44 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.

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