LOT Heritage Rare Coin Galleries  /  2007 Jan (FUN) Heritage Signature Coin #422  / 

3268

1909-D $20 MS66 PCGS. The 1909-D double eagle, with a

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:50,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1909-D $20 MS66 PCGS. The 1909-D double eagle, with a
<B>1909-D $20 MS66 PCGS.</B></I> The 1909-D double eagle, with a mintage of 52,500 pieces, is the fourth lowest production in the series, ranking behind the High Relief, the 1908-S, and the 1913-S. Moreover, most of the 1909-Ds were apparently stored at the Treasury and subsequently melted in the 1930s. Prior to the 1980s, therefore, this issue was considered rarer than the High Relief and the 1913-S, and similar in rarity to the 1908-S. The surfacing of a hoard of double eagles in the early 1980s in Central America lowered the rarity rating of the '09-D, as well as some other dates. In his 1997 book <I>American Coin Treasures and Hoards,</B></I> David Bowers alluded to a commentary from gold specialist David Akers who related to Bowers: "With reference to $20 gold coins from Guatemala or another country in Central America I have knowledge of the pieces dispersed by MTB (Manfra, Tordella & Brookes) in the early 1980s. It is my understanding that there were approximately 47,000 $20 coins in the deal...the majority Uncirculated. The following dates, some previously all but unobtainable, were present in quantity in the deal in Choice to Gem Mint State: 1908-D No Motto, 1908-D With Motto, 1909-D, 1909-S, 1910-S, 1911-S, 1914-S, 1915-S, 1916-S, and 1922-S. ... I sold many ... rolls of individual dates including dozens of Choice Mint State 1909-D. ... "<BR> Along the above lines, Bowers states in his 2004 <I>A Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins:</B></I> "Although the dispersal of several hoards has augmented the supply of Mint State 1909-D double eagles from what it was 20 or 30 years ago, this low-mintage issue is still a highly important key date. Gems are especially rare, and when they come on the market excitement prevails!" His assertion is borne out by the population figures--PCGS and NGC report fewer than 20 1909-D twenties in MS65, three pieces in MS66, and three MS67s.<BR> The Premium Gem offered in the present lot features a rich apricot-gold color imbued with subtle accents of mint-green. Both sides are enveloped in bright, frosty luster, and exhibit well executed motifs. Most of the panes are visible in the Capitol building, and excellent definition is apparent in Liberty's face, fingers, and toes. The surfaces are devoid of all but a few small abrasions. This is the first Premium Gem example ever offered by Heritage.<BR><I>From The Kutasi Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coin/Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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