1930-S $20 MS63 PCGS. CAC....

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Beautifully Colored 1930-S Double Eagle, MS63
Third-Rarest Issue Behind the 1933 and 1927-D

1930-S $20 MS63 PCGS. CAC. Up until the late 1940s or early 1950s, the 1930-S double eagle, while acknowledged to be rare, was thought to be less so than several other issues in the Saint-Gaudens series. Today, that has changed. The 1930-S has gained increasing recognition over the last few decades as the rarest of the five issues from 1929 through 1932. In fact, today the 1930-S is known to be the third-rarest issue in the entire series, behind only the uncollectible 1933 and the legendary 1927-D.
To provide clearer perspective on the gradual recognition the 1930-S has achieved, consider the remarks that David Akers wrote when he was cataloging the example in the phenomenal Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection (Akers Numismatics, 5/1998, lot 119):

"... the 1930-S is one of the greatest rarities in this ever popular series. Since virtually all of the relatively few known specimens are mint state, it is obvious that this issue never saw actual circulation, and it is more than likely that the entire mintage (74,000 pieces, very small by Saint-Gaudens standards) was melted. The specimens that exist today were, in all probability, obtained by collectors or visitors directly from the Mint in the year of issue. In terms of the total number of specimens known, there are undoubtedly fewer 1930-S double eagles than there are examples of any collectible regular issue in this series other than the 1927-D. In other words, all grades considered, there are more examples of the 1920-S, 1921, 1927-S, 1931, 1931-D, and 1932 around than there are examples of the 1930-S. This is in contrast to its relative rarity ranking of 50 years ago when the 1930-S was considered to be only the fourth rarest S Mint issue of the series after the 1924-S, 1926-S and 1927-S. It was also felt to be significantly less rare than the 1926-D, 1921, and the 1931-D. It is difficult to say for sure, but the total number of 1930-S Double Eagles known is probably in the range of only 50-60 pieces. Some are quite nice with Choice and Very Choice Uncirculated being perhaps the most typically encountered grades, but true Gems ... are of extreme rarity with no more than 6-8 such examples known."

In Akers' recent Handbook, he writes much more succinctly that "the 1930-S is by far the rarest of the 1929-1932 issues in this series and, discounting the essentially uncollectible 1933, only the 1927-D is rarer when we consider the entire Saint-Gaudens series."
The present Select Mint State example of this rarity is sharply struck overall--in common with most examples--although there is minor softness on the pillars of the Capitol building. The appealing surfaces display adequate if not deep luster, with a few grazes appearing in the left obverse field. Other minor marks appear on the reverse, on the sun and near the eagle's head. The beautiful color is typical for the 1930-S, orange-gold with blushes of rose.
This piece also displays a couple of obverse characteristics that are diagnostic of most examples known. A pendant-shaped die lump appears in the interior of the 0 in the date, and a near-horizontal die line runs from the rim near 3 o'clock to a ray of the sun.
Astute specialists in this series will recognize this offering for the significant opportunity it provides, and act accordingly. Population: 7 in 63, 29 finer (5/10).(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GM, PCGS# 9191, GSID# 10186)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Melt Value: $1,169.71
Gold Spot: $1,209/oz (07-09-2010)
Mintage: 74,000

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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