LOT #3199 |
Current Bid: $4,100
1909 $20 MS66+ PCGS....
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Description
1909 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, MS66+
Tied for Finest Certified Example
Ex: Brahin-Kutasi-Fox
1909 $20 MS66+ PCGS. Ex: Fox-Brahin. In 1909, the
Philadelphia Mint struck 162,286 double eagles. Gold authority
Roger Burdette writes that 1,104 pieces were rejected and melted,
leaving a net mintage of 161,282 examples, which included the
1909/8 overdate. The 1909 is readily available, though not common,
in the lower Mint State grades through MS62. MS63 specimens are
somewhat more challenging, but higher-grade pieces are seldom seen.
David Akers, in his Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold
Coins 1907-1933, discussed the rarity factor of the issue:"For years, the 1909 normal date was overshadowed by the popular 1909/8, but in the past decade or so the 1909 has come to be correctly recognized as the rarer of the two issues. Actually it is much more rare than the 1909/8 except possibly in gem condition where the two are of similar rarity. Unlike the 1909/8 which is often seen in VF or EF, the 1909 is normally available only in AU or Unc. This issue, along with the other early Philadelphia Mint issues from 1908 With Motto through 1915 (plus the 1920 as well), is very underrated in high grade. I have seen fewer Mint State examples of this issue than I have of any of the others, including the 1913, although there are a few more MS-64 or better quality examples in existence of this issue than there are of either the 1913 or the 1920. Nearly all of the known Mint State specimens of this issue are low quality, i.e. MS-60 to 62. Even in MS-63, the 1909 is a rarity, and above that level, especially in gem condition, the 1909 is one of the rarest issues of the entire series."
To date (8/25), PCGS and NGC have seen 27 Gems, including six in 65+, and 13 MS66 examples, including three coins in 66+; neither service has certified any coins finer.
This Plus-graded Premium Gem exhibits a bold strike; excellent detail is evident in the panes of the Capitol building, on Liberty's face, on the fingers of both hands, on the toes, as well as on the eagle's torso feathers. Both sides are awash in satiny luster, and are covered in a simply beautiful mix of light orange-gold and mint-green patination. Immaculate preservation is noted throughout, with no marks worthy of individual mention. A minute tick on the sun beneath the R in TRUST may help to pedigree the piece. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. An outstanding coin in every respect, and sure to generate spirited bidding. Population: 8 in 66 (3 in 66+), 0 finer (8/25).
Ex: Jay Brahin; Kutasi Collection (Heritage, 1/2007), lot 3266; Rollo Fox Collection; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 4009.
David Akers (2012) Comments:
Prior to about two decades ago, when a fairly large hoard of uncirculated examples was discovered in Europe, the 1909 was considered to be a very scarce issue in any grade and a rare one in choice uncirculated condition or better. The hoard changed all that, however, and now the 1909 is strictly a condition rarity, that is, one whose rarity is almost entirely dependent on the grade rather than the total number of specimens known. There were hundreds of choice and even very choice uncirculated specimens in the hoard and so at those levels the 1909 is now considered scarce rather than rare. However, the addition of the hoard specimens to the total population didn't diminish the rarity of gems of this date. They are still considered very rare and probably no more than 20-25 MS65 quality examples are known to exist, if that many. The number of superb MS66 quality specimens is much smaller, probably less than half the MS65 population, and none have been graded above that level.(Registry values: N10218)
From The Alymaya Collection, Part II.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26FB, PCGS# 9150, Greysheet# 10136)
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.
View all of [The Alymaya Collection, Part II. ]
Auction Info
2025 October 2 - 5 GACC US Coins Signature® Auction #1386 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
October
2nd
Thursday
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October
2nd-5th
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