1927-S $20 MS64 NGC....

Description

Celebrated 1927-S Double Eagle, MS64

1927-S $20 MS64 NGC. Once considered to be among the rarest Saint-Gaudens issues, the 1927-S is today still viewed as a key date in the series, if not in the "virtually impossible" category of the 1927-D and the (so far) near-uncollectible 1933-dated coins. Over the years Heritage has been privileged to offer quite a number of 1927-S double eagles, including a couple in the present sale. The finest we have ever offered was the MS67 NGC specimen that came from the Museum of Connecticut History (6/1995, lot 6027), one that brought $181,500 back in 1995, a phenomenal price for that time (for a phenomenal coin) that was the finest certified. More recently that same 1927-S, crossed to an MS67 PCGS holder, brought $345,000 in our auction of the Phillip H. Morse Collection (11/2005, lot 6698).
The 1927-S has always been a popular issue as well due to its association with the celebrated 1927-D double eagle, one of the rarest gold coins of the 20th century. We have also handled the 1927-D MS66 PCGS example from the Museum of Connecticut History (and others) on more than one occasion, most recently in our FUN auction where it brought $1.495 million (1/2010, lot 2331).
While this near-Gem 1927-S is not quite in the same otherworldly class of those above, it is still extremely elusive at the MS64 grade level. This coin would fit well into a mostly Gem set with no apology. The total certified population at NGC and PCGS combined is 22 coins, with 19 finer--and both totals are certain to represent numerous duplications.
The 1927-S as a rule comes sharply struck, and this example is no exception. The strike is uniformly bold throughout. Bright, radiant mint luster is the order of the day. Although a few small surface marks prevent a Gem grade, a glass is needed to detect them. A marvelous, lustrous example of this issue, one that is justly celebrated today. Census: 17 in 64, 11 finer (3/10).(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.

View Certification Details from NGC