LOT #3214 |
Current Bid: $2,500
1925-D $20 MS65 PCGS....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
1925-D Twenty Dollar, MS65
Beautiful High-Grade Rarity
Ex: Duckor-Simpson
1925-D $20 MS65 PCGS. Ex: Duckor-Simpson. The typical 1925-D
double eagle is in lower Mint State grades, the result of
repatriation of coins exported in the late 1920s and returned to
the United States in the 1950s through the 1970s. The unknown
number of exported coins apparently found their way to banks in
France and Switzerland. However, a large number remained in Mint or
Treasury storage until they were melted in the 1930s. Collectors
preserved a few specimens at the time of issue, and those few coins
are likely the higher-grade pieces known today. Although a few
pieces are certified below AU58, it is doubtful that any 1925-D
double eagles were officially placed into circulation, but it is
possible that a few pieces were carried as pocket pieces or spent
by collectors who could no longer afford to save the coins in the
early 1930s depression.The Duckor-Simpson specimen is a rare Gem example, acquired by Dr. Duckor at the January 1979 Superior sale of the Madison Estate. At the time, the California firm offered a brief description:
"1925-D. Mint State 60 to 65. Well struck with gorgeous cameo-like mint luster. A very scarce date and the finest specimen we have handled. Worthy of a premium bid."
Unusual coloration on this Gem shows a patch of cloudy lilac in the center obverse surrounded by deep, mellow orange-red. The reverse offers a three-toned appearance, lilac, jade, and red-orange all competing for territory. Rich luster radiates from both sides, although the strike is a bit blunt on the lower obverse. A few scattered, mostly light abrasions are scattered throughout each side, but this coin offers amazing eye appeal through its thoroughly engaging patina, which will captivate any viewer.
In our January 2012 catalog for the Duckor Collection, David Akers wrote for this piece, in part:
"The Duckor coin offered here is one of the finest of the five MS65 examples known and graded by PCGS [in 2012]. It is the coin in his collection that Dr. Duckor has owned the longest. He began collecting Saints in 1977 and purchased this coin from a Superior sale in 1979. The coin has great color and luster, minimal marks and a lot of eye appeal. Over the past few decades I have come to appreciate the 1925-D more and more in high grade and feel that it is one of the most underrated issues in the series. I have personally handled fewer really nice examples of the 1925-D then I have of most other issues and even with those issues of which I have handled even fewer gems than of the 1925-D, I at least have handled a superb uncirculated example or two. That, however, is not the case with the 1925-D."
The coin was acquired by super-collector Bob R. Simpson and remained a highlight of his holdings until it was sold in 2023, where it realized a strong price of $114,000. Among 1925-D double eagles, this piece is arguably one of the most incredible surviving examples, with an unmatched pedigree. Population: 8 in 65 (1 in 65+), 2 finer (8/25).
Ex: Madison Estate Sale (Superior, 1/1979), lot 1297; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4639; Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part X (Heritage, 1/2023), lot 3947.(Registry values: N10218)
From The Alymaya Collection, Part II.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GB, PCGS# 9181, Greysheet# 10180)
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.
View all of [The Alymaya Collection, Part II. ]
Auction Info
2025 October 2 - 5 GACC US Coins Signature® Auction #1386 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
October
2nd
Thursday
12:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
October
2nd-5th
Thursday-Sunday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining
15 Days
9h 45m 27s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 7
Lot Tracking Activity: 28
Page Views: 199
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid (minimum $29) per lot.
This lot is in: 1 -
Signature® Premier Floor Session - PREMIER (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 3001-3238) - 1:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, October 2, 2025.
[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
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | US & World Coin Grading Tutorial
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | US & World Coin Grading Tutorial