1909 $20

Description

PCGS 1909 PR 65. There were 67 proof double eagles officially struck in 1909. An interesting numismatic sidenote is mentioned in Akers' (1981) book on this series, and we quote in part: "In my 443 catalogue survey, the 1909 appeared more often in proof than any other Saint-Gaudens double eagle. I have no explanation for this since it has been my experience that the 1909 is one of the rarest proofs of this type. It is more rare than most of the Liberty Head proofs after 1895. It is my opinion that no more than 20-25 proofs of this date still exist." It would seem that 28 appearances of proofs in his survey was only a statistical aberration, and we would agree that 1909 proof twenties are indeed much rarer than indicated by the number recorded in his survey. The combined population data from both PCGS and NGC also tends to support this, as the total number certified places the 1909 squarely in the middle of the census data for all eight dates in the series. We tend to believe, however, that the number of survivors is somewhat higher than stated by Akers and would estimate that somewhere between 25 and 35 proofs may still exist.
All proof twenties struck this year were of the Roman Gold variant of the matte proofing process. As such, the coin has an exceptionally bright appearance for a matte proof. The surfaces have a pleasing orange-gold color. When closely examined one notices a few small blemishes here and there, but they are scarcely noticeable to the unaided eye because of the overall brightness of the Roman Gold finish. As has been stated in the write-ups for the smaller denominations of this year, 1909 gold proof sets were quite rare even at the time of issue as it took four years for Henry Chapman to acquire a set for famous collector Robert Garrett.
According to the most recent population data (June) this coin is tied with two others of this date as third finest certified and is exceeded in condition by one PCGS Proof 66 and an NGC Proof 68. Another important opportunity for the specialist.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GW, PCGS# 9206, GSID# 10192)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 67

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 Certification Details from PCGS