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

3286

1920 $20 MS65 PCGS. Ex: Eliasberg. Between 1916 and 19

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:60,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1920 $20 MS65 PCGS. Ex: Eliasberg. Between 1916 and 19
<B>1920 $20 MS65 PCGS.</B></I> Ex: Eliasberg. Between 1916 and 1920 no double eagles were struck by the U.S. Mint. When double eagle production was resumed in May 1920, gold specialist Roger Burdette writes that the coins were intended to remain in the Treasury Department reserves and not be released for commercial use. Burdette cites a letter dated May 5, 1920, from T. Louis Comparette, curator of the Philadelphia Mint coin collection, to George Godard, Connecticut State Librarian, that discusses the 1920 issue. Comparette wrote: "Herewith I am sending you a twenty dollar gold piece, just struck. This is the first gold to be struck since 1916. It is for the Reserve Funds and not to be issued for general circulation, and the securing of the specimens for others than the government collection is probably irregular, so please do not let the fact become public knowledge. For others will demand specimens as soon as they learn that a few have them. That might cause embarrassment." Burdette notes that Comparette reinforced the rarity of the 1920 double eagle in a December 7 letter: "... But very few of them got out. All the rest are under seal along with the reserve funds, and the repeated efforts of scores to secure specimens have so far proved unavailing. ... I have been offered as high as $30 for a specimen. ... Sometime, undoubtedly, they will be obtainable, but nobody can surmise when."<BR> The 1920 is available through MS63, but becomes more challenging at the near-Gem level. In Gem condition, the 1920 is one of the most, if not <I>the</B></I> most underrated condition rarity in the entire series of Saint-Gaudens twenties. Only eight pieces have been so graded (one by PCGS, and seven by NGC) with none finer at either service. This is an absolutely splendid coin that has rich mint frost and peach-gold coloration accented with splashes of delicate mint-green. The design elements are well defined, as illustrated by the detail on the Capitol building, on Liberty's face, fingers, and toes, on the olive branch, and on the eagle's feathers. A few light marks fall well within the parameters of the MS65 designation. A minute abrasion on the top curve of the 9 in the date may aid in identification of the coin. This is a rare opportunity for the specialist, and for the collector who only wants PCGS-certified Gems this is the only chance to obtain this date.<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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