1931 $20 MS66 PCGS....

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Sold on Jan 12, 2023 for:

$300,000.00 Bid Source: Live: Phone bidder

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1931 Double Eagle, MS66
Exemplary High-End Example
Only About 110 Pieces Believed Known

1931 $20 MS66 PCGS. Ex: Simpson. In our January 2012 offering of the Duckor Collection, David Akers wrote concerning the 1931 double eagle:

"Nearly all known 1931 double eagles are uncirculated with a preponderance of them grading MS63 or better. It is much more rare in terms of overall population rarity than the 1929, numerous hoards of which have been uncovered in Europe since the 1950s while very few examples, if any, of the 1931 were ever found from similar sources. The mintage of this issue was extremely high, nearly three million pieces and, based on the number known today (maybe 100-125 total), it is obvious that essentially the entire mintage was struck, stored by the government as part of the nation's gold reserves for just a few years and then melted into gold bars. Those specimens that have survived were undoubtedly acquired directly from the mint in the year of issue."

In Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, Roger Burdette examines Philadelphia Mint vault records and determines that the maximum number of 1931 double eagles that could have been available to collectors was just 310 coins, including 141 pieces with the Mint Cashier on December 31, at the end of production. Burdette believes that no more than 110 pieces survive in all grades -- a figure in agreement with Akers'.

The Simpson coin is an elite survivor of this rare late-series issue. The typical example that we have seen grades MS64 or MS65, while MS66 coins are major rarities. Only a single finer piece is reported. Frosty peach-gold luster adorns boldly struck design elements and shows overall exceptional preservation. A few tiny ticks on Liberty's breast and neck serve as pedigree markers but are not distracting. Population: 11 in 66, 1 finer (11/22).
Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part X. (Registry values: N10218)

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

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 X ]

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