1931 $20 MS64 NGC....

Description

1931 Saint-Gaudens Twenty, MS64
Heavily Melted Late-Date Rarity

1931 $20 MS64 NGC. In the final quarter of 1831 a substantial mintage of 2,938,250 double eagles were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, a feat requiring 50 die pairs and 58 deliveries -- each delivery was for 50,000 pieces except for the final delivery on December 31, 1931, which was for 88,250 pieces. Then, between June 21, 1932 and June 27, 1933 a total of 2,937,750 pieces were locked away in Treasury vaults. After 158 pieces were destroyed by Assay requirements, only 342 pieces remained available for distribution. Mint records show 22 pieces were directly purchased by individuals -- primarily by mail order sales, although the Mint's records may be incomplete to show such a small quantity going to individual collectors. (The 1932 Saint-Gaudens double eagle had about four times as many pieces sold.) Another 32 pieces that went to the Cashier were transferred for melting. When all was said and done, Roger Burdette's research concludes only 310 pieces remained available to collectors in 1934. From that small number, today's estimated survival is only 110 1931 double eagles, making it one of the foremost rarities in the Saint-Gaudens double eagle series. It is also one of the most important gold issues of the 20th century.

This near-Gem survivor shows only a few small nicks and no significant abrasions. While most 1931 double eagles display orange-gold coloration, this highly lustrous coin features yellow-gold color with vibrant blond-gold accents. The peripheral elements are crisp and the torch hand shows considerable finger definition. Thick mint frost blankets both sides. Census: 15 in 64 (1 in 64+), 11 finer (11/24).(Registry values: N7079)
From The Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GN, PCGS# 9192, Greysheet# 10153)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 1.06oz
Mintage: 2,938,250

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 Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles, Part II ]

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