1913 $20 MS65 PCGS. CAC....

Description

High-End Gem 1913 Twenty
Rarely Found in This Grade

1913 $20 MS65 PCGS. CAC. Though the 1913 double eagle's mintage of nearly 170,000 pieces is higher than for many of the surrounding Philadelphia issues, it is one of the more elusive condition rarities known to the series. International tension had risen dramatically in the early years of the 20th century, particularly with the formation of the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente in Europe, and after the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the double eagles that would have been used for international commerce had nowhere to go.
When he described the Dr. Thaine B. Price example in 1998, David Akers commented: "As a date, the 1913 is much more rare than the 1912; in fact, it is the rarest of the With Motto issues from 1908-1915, especially in Choice Uncirculated or better condition. Gems are prohibitively rare, and for all practical purposes, unobtainable ..." The present piece is tied with eight others for the finest example certified by PCGS (11/09).
The strike is unusually bold for this normally weak issue; while most examples have a flat appearance that is similar to the 1907 and 1908 No Motto coins, this coin offers delightful detail, particularly on the peripheral elements. In his Guide Book to the series, Dave Bowers did a little fishing on the subject of strike: "Somewhat similar to the 1912, the 1913 requires cherrypicking in order to reel in a sharp one."
While most examples of the 1913 double eagle exhibit dull green-gold fields, this aesthetically superior Gem's pristine surfaces exhibit creamy yellow-gold luster with traces of honey-gold near the borders and delicate rose accents. Only a few tiny marks in unimportant areas establish this desirable survivor as a "mere" Gem. This worthy Gem is sure to delight the successful bidder.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26FN, PCGS# 9161, GSID# 10140)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 168,700

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

View Certification Details from CAC sticker