1913 $20 MS65 PCGS Secure. CAC....

Description

1913 Double Eagle, MS65
Tied for the Finest PCGS-Certified

1913 $20 MS65 PCGS Secure. CAC. Ex: Duckor/Akers. Low mintages of the Philadelphia Mint issues continued in 1913 with a production of 168,780 double eagles throughout the year. Like the other dates, high-grade examples of the 1913 are extremely rare, despite frequent market appearances of lower-Mint State pieces. Market appearances of Gem specimens are infrequent and include multiple appearances of fewer coins. In our Permanent Auction Archives, 11 appearances of MS65 PCGS examples represent just six different coins.
In the second edition of the Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins 1907-1933, Jeff Ambio writes:

"Beginning in MS-65 ... the 1913 develops into one of the leading condition rarities in the entire Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series. In fact, it is easier to locate a high-grade 1929, 1931, or 1932 than it is to find a similarly graded 1913. There has never even been a rumor of a 1913 Double Eagle that would grade MS-67 by today's standards."

The typical poor production of 1913 double eagles will explain the lack of high-grade examples surviving today. It is entirely possible that few would have graded MS65 when they were struck. If a grading service could travel back in time to 1913 and set up a grading room in the Mint, there would likely still be only a small number of MS65 or finer coins certified. In A Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins, Dave Bowers recommends a careful search for the best possible coin: "Somewhat similar to the 1912, the 1913 requires cherrypicking in order to reel in a sharp one." Of course, the collector who is looking for that sharp and appealing example could simplify the search by bidding on the Duckor specimen.
Frosty antique-gold surfaces show rich luster with glints of greenish-gold. A few stray marks are in keeping with the grade. A near-vertical mark on the eagle's midsection is among the few singular marks that may aid pedigree research. The reverse die is cracked horizontally through the sun. Acquisition of any attractive Mint State 1913 double eagle will pose a challenge to the collector, and opportunities to buy a Gem specimen are rarely presented. Population: 10 in 65, 0 finer (10/11).
Ex: David Akers

David Akers Comments:
Without question, the 1913 is one of the most underrated issues in the entire Saint-Gaudens double eagle series. Of the nine early P-Mint issues from the 1908 With Motto to the 1915, the 1913 is by far the rarest of the group in gem uncirculated condition, although, like the other eight issues it is readily available in all the lower mint state grades up to and including MS64 due to the discovery of some large hoards of the date a couple of decades ago. Few, if any, gems were in these hoards, however, and so a 1913 Saint in MS65 is a definite rarity with perhaps only 14-18 examples known, making the 1913 a greater rarity in gem condition than the much more celebrated 1929, 1931 and 1932. Furthermore, I have neither seen nor heard of any 1913 that would grade superb MS66 or better although at least two or more such specimens exist of all the famous rarities of the series. There are only two other issues able to make this same claim, the 1915 and the 1920.
From The Dr. and Mrs. Steven L. Duckor Collection.
Seller is donating a portion of their proceeds, and Heritage is donating the same portion of the Buyer's Premium, from the sale of this lot to the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. See page 3 for details.(Registry values: N7079)

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

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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