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

3298

1925-S $20 MS65 PCGS. When one considers mintmarked do

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:110,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1925-S $20 MS65 PCGS. When one considers mintmarked do
<B>1925-S $20 MS65 PCGS.</B></I> Ex: Crawford. When one considers mintmarked double eagles from the 1920s, it is often the case that the original mintages are nearly irrelevant and have little or nothing to do with the surviving population of a particular issue. This generalization applies to the 1925-S that saw 3,776,500 pieces struck, the third highest production run in the entire 54-coin series, and a figure that belies the true rarity of this issue. The vast majority of the production run was apparently melted in the 1930s, and only 600 or so coins are believed known today in all grades, making it one of the major rarities in the Saint-Gaudens series. In their book, <I>Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins, 1795-1933,</B></I> Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth write of the 1925-S: "Those that did survive can likely be traced back to the meager hoards held by European banks, or they were squirreled away by fortunate American collectors."<BR> The 1925-S refutes another commonly held notion about this series, namely, that twenty dollar gold pieces played no role in the 1920s medium of exchange. From the grade distribution of the certified population, it appears that some attempt was made to actually use the 1925-S in the channels of commerce. About 300 circulated coins, especially in XF and AU condition, have been seen by PCGS and NGC, nearly as many pieces that occur in the Mint State grade levels.<BR> When we combine the extensive meltings from the 1930s with an attempt to circulate the '25-S, the issue emerges as one of the premier condition rarities in the series, along with the 1924-S and 1926-D. Only 30 or so certified pieces have been seen in near-Gem or better condition. Perhaps most important to its status as a key date in the series, the 1925-S is also one of the few issues from the 1920s that never was found in large hoards in Europe.<BR> The Gem example that we offer in the current lot displays radiant luster that exudes from immaculately preserved surfaces. A mixture of peach-gold and lime-green patina rests over both sides, and the design features are exquisitely brought up, including bold detail on Liberty's face, hands, foot, most of the Capitol building, and on the eagle's feathers. A few minor marks beneath the G in GOD will help to pedigree the piece for future collectors. The savvy collector of Saint-Gaudens coinage will not want to miss out on this lovely Gem. Gold specialist David Akers, in his <I>Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins,</B></I> listed this coin as the third finest he had seen, "...a satiny specimen in the 1987 F.U.N sale that was purchased by Dr. William Crawford. Despite a few hairlines, it is an exceptional coin, virtually free of bagmarks, with wonderful luster and color." Population: 2 in 65, 3 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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