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1925-S $20 MS67 PCGS. 1925-S[$20] MS67 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:160,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1925-S $20 MS67 PCGS. 1925-S[$20] MS67 PCGS.
<B>1925-S<$20> MS67 PCGS.</B></I> The 1925-S presents an interesting anomaly in the Saint-Gaudens series. It has the third highest mintage with more than 3.7 million pieces produced, and at the same time it is also one of the great absolute as well as condition rarities in the series. Probably around 300 pieces are extant today in MS60-63 condition, but there is a precipitous drop-off in availability above that level. Only 20 or so pieces are believed known in MS64, and above that level there are (2) MS65s, (2) MS66s, (2) MS67s, and as incredible as it may seem (1) PCGS MS68. For the collector of high grade Saints, that means when one of these coins becomes available (regardless of grade), it would be wise to buy it as the opportunity to acquire a better coin may not present itself for many years.<BR> The 1925-S is similar in condition rarity to the 1924-S and 1926-D, but it is clearly not the absolute rarity that the '26-D is. The 1925-S, like the '26-D, was never found in overseas holdings of double eagles, explaining in great part why these two issues are so rare.<BR> This is a truly magnificent coin and it will prove memorable for anyone fortunate enough to view it. As expected from a San Francisco product, the mint luster is thick and frosted. What is unexpected is the contrast and intensity of color on each side. Many originally preserved gold coins show a subtle amount of color, but the level of color on this Superb Gem is almost unprecedented in our experience. The only issue that shows the same level of luster and color is the 1923-D. Rich green-gold patina is contrasted against deep orange-gold coloration, and when this visual interplay is backlit by the thick mint frost, the results are quite extraordinary. Well struck on each side, except for the diagnostic (?) weakness on the 5 in the date, a curious feature first noticed by David Akers. Another diagnostic feature seen on this coin, as well as other S-mints from this decade, are the "beveled" rims around each side. The fields on each side of Liberty's head show die polishing, but this feature is only evident when examined with a loupe. There are only the slightest abrasions over the highpoints of the design: one on Liberty's bent knee, a couple of shallow horizontal marks across Liberty's breasts, and a small triangular mark on the eagle's belly. These are very slight imperfections and may or may not show up in other catalogs, if one is inclined to trace the pedigree of this important coin.<BR><I>From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.</B></I> <BR><BR><B>Important