1927-S $20 MS63 NGC....

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High-End MS63 1927-S Double Eagle

1927-S $20 MS63 NGC. A piece here, two there, a couple in another place: Thus it was that the 1927-S was dethroned as the rarest Saint-Gaudens twenty in a slow process of discovery, mostly of examples from European holdings. At one time, until the late 1940s-early 1950s, the 1927-S, despite its recorded mintage exceeding 3.1 million pieces, was thought to be the rarest issue in the entire series. In its day, its reputed rarity handily outclassed the fabulous rarities of today. Pioneering research by early collector Dr. Charles Green demonstrated that, despite the high mintage figure, only slightly more than 3,000 specimens had been released before the Gold Recall of 1933.
In 1988, David Akers wrote in his Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins 1907-1933 the following:

"Four decades ago, the 1927-S was considered to be the fourth rarest issue of the series after the 1924-S, 1926-D and 1926-S (in that order). It was thought to be more rare than the 1920-S or 1921 and even the 1927-D. Over the next 20 or so years, one or a few specimens at a time showed up in shipments of double eagles from Europe, but I do not recall ever hearing of any 'hoards' or even a single roll quantity of this issue being discovered."

The narrative in the updated (by Jeff Ambio) Handbook of 2008 is little different, except that the intro was changed to "Five decades ago" and this concludes the thought:

"By the end of the 20th century between 100 and 200 pieces had arrived [from Europe], although at no time was there ever a hoard of this issue. Typically grading MS-60 to MS-64, the 1927-S is particularly rare as a Gem and all but unknown any finer than MS-66."

The 1927-S is today still a highly desirable issue, and a well-produced one at that. The scarcity of Gem or finer pieces additionally puts them out of the reach of many collectors. This example exhibits the bright yellow-gold mint luster typically seen on this scarce issue. The strike is generally solid for the date, though a touch of softness is visible at Liberty's knee. Marks are wispy for the most part, with the exception of a few horizontal abrasions at the central obverse and a curving scrape on the eagle's upper wing. The prevailing honey-gold color is an attractive plus, and the eye appeal is high-end for the MS63 designation. Census: 13 in 63, 27 finer (7/10).(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GJ, PCGS# 9188, GSID# 10185)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 3,107,000

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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