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

3297

1925-D $20 MS66 PCGS. Nearly 3 million double eagles w

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:110,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1925-D $20 MS66 PCGS. Nearly 3 million double eagles w
<B>1925-D $20 MS66 PCGS.</B></I> Nearly 3 million double eagles were struck at the Denver facility in 1925. Many of these were sent to Europe, primarily to Swiss and French banks, as exchange payments. These represented the bulk of the coins that escaped the melting pots of the 1930s. According to David Bowers in his book <I>American Coin Treasures and Hoards:</B></I> "During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries Swiss and other foreign banks were not the slightest bit interested in holding United States paper money, and when President Franklin D. Roosevelt called in gold coins in 1933-1934, Swiss and other banks held on to their gold reserves more tightly than ever."<BR> With respect to rarity, gold specialist David Akers, in his treatise entitled <I>A Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins, 1907-1933,</B></I> states: "In most respects, the 1925-D is very similar in rarity to the 1924-D although, in my experience, it is slightly rarer than the 1924-D in the highest Mint State grades. At one time, the 1925-D was considered to be a major rarity, much more rare than the 1920-S, 1930-S, 1931 and 1932, among others. A few small hoards were subsequently discovered and, even today, there is reportedly a small hoard intact of perhaps as many as 80 to 100 pieces. However, it is likely that the total number of Mint State pieces in existence is still fewer than 200. Most of the known Mint State pieces are MS63 or less and in MS64 condition, the 1925-D is extremely difficult to locate. I have seen a very few small number of true gems, maybe as many as four or five, and I assume that others exist, hence my R-8 rarity rating."<BR> In light of current PCGS and NGC population statistics (in which about 500 Mint State coins have been seen), Akers' estimates of "fewer than 200" Uncirculated 1925-D pieces extant was likely somewhat off (though many examples in the certified population are presumably resubmissions). His estimate of surviving "true Gems," however, is very much in line with the population data - only 10 MS65 coins have been certified, and a mere three MS66 specimens, with none finer.<BR> An impressive strike emboldens the design elements of this Premium Gem example; sharp detail is apparent in the Capitol building, in Liberty's face, on the fingers of both hands, on the toes, and on the eagle's plumage. Both sides exhibit frosted surfaces that radiate intense luster and are adorned with varying shades of apricot and yellow-gold color imbued with traces of mint-green. A couple of minute marks on the torch may help in identification of this lovely specimen that is among the finest known. Population: 2 in 66, 0 finer (11/06).<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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