2451

1924-S $20 MS64 PCGS. The 1924-S double

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1924-S $20 MS64 PCGS. The 1924-S double
<B>1924-S<$20> MS64 PCGS.</B></I> The 1924-S double eagle, with a mintage approaching 3 million pieces, was one of the most heavily melted issues in the series. Consequently, it acquired the reputation of being the rarest date in the Saint-Gaudens series. Indeed, in the late 1940s, Max Mehl estimated that only three pieces were known. In the 1950s and 1960s, numerous examples were discovered in European banks, and the '24-S was demoted from the "rarest of the rare" to the scarce category.<BR> Most of the newly discovered 1924-S double eagles were in MS63 and lower grades. Near-Gem and finer examples are still challenging. The MS64 coin presented in this lot displays sharp definition on the design features, including on the peripheral lettering, which is often weak on this issue. The pebbly-like surfaces reveal honey-gold patina imbued with traces of light green. The faces on both sides are well preserved, though some minor rim marks are mentioned for accuracy. Population: 145 in 64, 3 finer (3/06).