LOT #3772 |
Current Bid: $100,000
1897-S $20 MS67 PCGS. CAC....
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Description
1897-S Double Eagle, MS67 CAC
The Finest Known Example
Ex: Clapp-Eliasberg
First Known Auction Appearance Since 1982
1897-S $20 MS67 PCGS. CAC. What a remarkable coin. This
1897-S double eagle is the former Eliasberg coin, said to have come
from the Clapp estate, and was originally purchased directly from
the Mint at face value in 1897. Such circumstances and century-long
curatorship is the only recipe that could create such a high-end
example of an otherwise numismatically insignificant double eagle
issue. Yet, that is what we behold when we look at this piece: a
forgotten numismatic time capsule. Heritage is proud to offer the
finest known 1897-S double eagle in only its second documented
auction appearance.Even in 1982, when the Eliasberg gold pieces were auctioned in a landmark Bowers and Ruddy auction, the 1897-S twenty was not considered an impressive issue. The coin was worthy of praise in the catalog, and duly identified as MS67 even though it was raw at the time, but it paled in comparison to other more famous issues present in the Eliasberg collection. Today, it is perhaps better positioned to be recognized for the remarkable piece that it is.
The 1897-S double eagle can be accurately considered common in grades through MS64, and only in MS65 does it become truly rare. Perhaps a couple dozen Gem examples exist, in various degrees of quality for that grade. Our roster below enumerates what we believe is the Condition Census for the issue, as far as current knowledge can discern. Four coins are seen: two MS65+ pieces and two MS67s; a potential fifth example is reported in MS66 by both NGC and CAC, although it has not been seen to rule out duplication with any other examples on the roster.
We consider the Eliasberg specimen to be the finest known by measure of its CAC endorsement. It also resides in its original late 1980s PCGS "rattler" holder, meaning that it has been considered one of the two finest known examples for more than four decades. In all that time, no other example has emerged to surpass it. The other MS67 piece, if it still resides in a holder with that grade, currently does not boast CAC endorsement. The Eliasberg coin does.
Radiant sun-gold luster virtually drips from the pristine surfaces and sharp motifs of this piece. The reverse of the coin might well be considered flawless, while the obverse has but the most minute flaws, such as a tiny tick in the field under Liberty's chin that serves as a pedigree marker. Space is at a premium for any other abrasions, as the untouched and glittering luster virtually dominates each side.
The appearance of this coin is not merely important for Registry collectors of the series, but it is an event for the history books. A stunning Superb Gem, acquired in the year of issue, that has previously appeared at auction only once in more than 100 years.
Condition Census 1897-S Double Eagles
The following roster was compiled with assistance from Ron Guth of the Numismatic Detective Agency.
1. MS67 PCGS Rattler. CAC. Purchased directly from the San Francisco Mint in the year of issue; John M. Clapp Collection; John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact via Stack's in 1942 to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1982), lot 998, $14,300. The present coin.
2. MS67 PCGS. Martin E. Haber Collection, obtained from a Pennsylvania dealer who purchased the coin over-the-counter in his store from a non-numismatic source / Auction '88 (David W. Akers, 7/1988), lot 849, $30,800; The Connoisseur's Collection (Superior, 1/1989), lot 158, $39,600; Clark E. Adams and Duncan MacMillan Collections (Superior, 10/1992), lot 1625, $21,120; Pre-Long Beach Elite (Superior, 2/2005), lot 3410, $60,375.
3. MS65+ PCGS. FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2015), lot 4400, $16,450; Tampa FUN Platinum Session (Heritage, 1/2016), lot 5667, $19,388; Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles, Part II / Long Beach Expo Signature (Heritage, 2/2025), lot 3535, $16,800.
4. MS65+ PCGS. The 'So Cal' Collection / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 5706, $15,600, as MS65 NGC CAC; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2020), lot 3860, $19,200, as MS65 PCGS CAC; Plated on PCGS CoinFacts as MS65+.
Note: An MS66 is reported at NGC and stickered at CAC, but the coin has not been seen. It may be one of the coins listed above or a fifth Condition Census example.(Registry values: N1)
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26CJ, PCGS# 9032, GSID# 9958)
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 1,470,250
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.
Auction Info
2026 August 31 - September 5 ANA US Coins Signature® Auction #1396 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
September
2nd
Wednesday
3:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
Aug-Sep
31st-5th
Monday-Saturday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining
11 Days
19h 52m 47s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 22
Lot Tracking Activity: 61
Page Views: 608
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid (minimum $29) per lot.
This lot is in: 3 -
Signature® Floor Session - Platinum Session - II (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 3595-3811) - 4:00 PM Central Time, Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
Exhibition Viewing Times, Title Page, Floor Session and License Information
Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions - Dallas
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
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