1929 $20 MS66+ PCGS....

Description

1929 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, MS66+
Heavily Melted Late-Series Key
Tied for Finest Certified
Ex: Norweb-Price

1929 $20 MS66+ PCGS. Ex: Simpson. The 1929 Saint-Gaudens double eagle claims a substantial mintage of nearly 1.8 million pieces, but the issue is an elusive key to the popular series today. The coins were all delivered in 34 batches between March 13 and May 29, and the great majority of the mintage was stored in bags in vaults to serve as currency reserves. None of the coins were sent to Federal Reserve Banks for distribution, as almost the entire mintage (1,778,500 pieces) was stored in Vault F of Cage 4, which was effectively blocked by bags of other coins and impossible to access. All the coins in government storage were eventually melted and stored as gold bars at the Fort Knox Bullion Depository. The only coins available to the general public were 1,000 pieces sent to the Treasurer's Office in Washington D.C., for prospective sale to collectors, and about 22,000 pieces paid out by the Philadelphia Mint during the year, mostly on the Treasurer's instructions. Many of the coins in the Treasurer's care were probably later returned to the Mint and melted, after the Gold Recall of 1933 took effect. Roger Burdette estimates no more than 350 examples survive today in all grades.

Although the 1929 Saint-Gaudens double eagle is elusive in all grades today, it is especially difficult to locate in Gem, or better condition. All Saint-Gaudens double eagles from 1929 to the end of the series in 1933 are considered major rarities. The 1929 is the most available of the "Late Date" Saints in absolute terms, but it is more elusive than its 1931 and 1932 counterparts in high grade.

The present coin is a Plus-graded Premium Gem with an illustrious pedigree to match its high technical quality and outstanding eye appeal. This piece was once a highlight of the celebrated Norweb and Thaine B. Price Collections, before finding a home in Bob Simpson's landmark numismatic holdings. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout and the virtually flawless orange-gold surfaces are free of mentionable distractions. A single slanting scratch, hidden in the folds of Liberty's gown, on her thigh, is the only useful pedigree marker. This coin is tied with one other specimen at PCGS for finest-known honors, by virtue of its Plus designation. It is a Registry Set essential. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 7 in 66 (2 in 66+), 0 finer (7/22).
Ex: Norweb Collection, Part III (Bowers and Merena, 11/1988), lot 4131 (as MS64 uncertified), realized $25,300; Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 118 (as MS65 NGC), realized $46,200; Bob R. Simpson Collection.(Registry values: N1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GL, PCGS# 9190, Greysheet# 10152)

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 [Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part IX ]

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