1915 $20 PR66 NGC. JD-1, High R.5....

Description

1915 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PR66
Last Matte Proof Twenty
High Quality and Historic Significance

1915 $20 PR66 NGC. JD-1, High R.5. After seven years of production, 1915 proved to be the final year for the matte proof finish. The artistic European-influenced proofs never really caught on with American collectors, as seen by the steadily declining numbers produced in each successive year. Finally, 1915 was the nadir for proof production and only 50 sandblast proof twenties were struck. The proofs were all delivered on October 25 and a single pair of dies was used to strike all the proofs.

Estimates of the surviving population have varied widely over the years. Walter Breen estimated that only 12 proofs survived of this date. David Akers doubled that estimate to a range of 20 to 25 coins. More recently, John Dannreuther estimated the surviving population at 35 to 40 examples in all grades, and PCGS CoinFacts agrees with his estimate.

At the PR66 level, this piece is among the finest known of this rare date. PCGS has graded no coins above PR65. The NGC Census shows that 10 others have been graded PR66 (a couple are probably resubmissions and two examples have been awarded a Plus designation), and only one coin has been certified finer at either of the services, a single NGC PR67 (11/24). The finish on this piece is virtually indistinguishable from the finish seen on the 1914 examples we have handled. Its color is only slightly darker in hue, and the 1915 has an overlay of rich reddish patina. This is truly a superior example of this major 20th century rarity. The design elements are sharply detailed and the only discernible ripple in the surface of the coin is a tiny planchet void on Liberty's left (facing) thigh. An important opportunity for the 20th century gold specialist.

Significant Examples of the 1915 Matte Proof Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This list of significant examples was compiled by Ron Guth and The Numismatic Detective Agency. Grades are per the last auctions appearance, unless a subsequent certification event is known.
1. PR67 NGC. Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part X (Heritage, 1/2023), lot 3967, $204,000.
2. PR67 Uncertified. Allegedly from a 1920 Lyman Low sale (thought the exact sale and lot has not been identified; John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact via Stack's in 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1982), lot 1047, $28,600.
3. PR66 NGC. Alexander Collection (Heritage, 4/2006), lot 2490, $83,375; Baltimore Rarities (Bowers and Merena, 7/2008), lot 1275, $87,400; Chicago Platinum (Heritage, 8/2011), lot 7714, $63,250. The present coin.
4. PR66 NGC. Ed Trompeter Collection, sold privately to Heritage Auctions and Sil DiGenova in 8/1998; Long Beach Sale (Heritage, 9/1998), lot 6994, $47,150; Phillip H. Morse Saint-Gaudens Collection (Heritage, 11/2005), lot 6631, $86,250.
5. PR66 Uncertified (estimated grade). National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
6. PR65+ PCGS. Danny Arnold Collection; Tom Koessl Collection; Elite Collection (PCGS Set Registry).
7. PR65+ PCGS. Richmond Collection [Bradley Hirst], Part I (David Lawrence, 7/2004), lot 2446, $55,200; Spectacular 1915 Proof Set Collection (Heritage, 1/2021), lot 4127, $150,000; D.L. Hansen Collection.
8. PR65 PCGS. D.L. Hansen Collection.
9. PR65 PCGS. Donovan and Hudgens Collections (Bowers and Merena, 11/1993), lot 1350, $34,100.
10. PR65 PCGS. Prior provenance unknown.(Registry values: N10218)
From The Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26H4, PCGS# 9212, Greysheet# 10198)

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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