1921 $20 PCGS Genuine....

Description

Elusive 1921 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

1921 $20 PCGS Genuine. The PCGS number ending in .94 suggests Altered Surfaces as the reason, or perhaps one of the reasons, that PCGS deemed this coin not gradable. In our opinion, the coin has the details of an AU specimen that has been Improperly Cleaned. A close inspection of the surfaces reveals the almost imperceptible effects of a light cleaning, long ago. The mishandling might easily go unnoticed, if not for the Genuine designation.
The 1921 Saint-Gaudens double eagle enjoyed a substantial mintage of 528,500 pieces, but the issue was devastated by massive melting in the 1930s. David Akers reports:

"The 1921 is one of the half dozen rarest dates in the Saint-Gaudens series and a good argument could be made that it is the fourth rarest date overall behind only the 1933, 1927-D and 1907 Extremely High Relief. In my opinion, the 1931-D and 1930-S are slightly rarer dates from the standpoint of total number of specimens known but there is no doubt that the 1921 is much more rare than either the 1931-D or the 1930-S in full mint state."

Q. David Bowers and Walter Breen have both observed that no substantial numbers of 1921 double eagles have surfaced in European holdings over the years.
The present coin is sharply struck throughout, with strongly impressed central devices on both sides and crisp peripheral details. Interesting die cracks are evident on the reverse, one through the sun and two more from below the eagle's beak into the field below the second A. The surfaces show average mint luster for the issue, with an even reddish tinge of color overall. There is one noticeable diagonal abrasion across the top of the eagle's wing. The coin offered here is an interesting and desirable specimen of this elusive date.

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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