2686

1926-D $20 St. Gaudens

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 33,000.00 USD
1926-D $20 St. Gaudens
1926-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62 PQ. Well struck, fully lustrous, boasting rich golden bloom colors. A Premium Quality coin for the grade. Among Saint-Gaudens double eagles the 1926-D is one of the most elusive of its era. The color of this coin is especially attractive, with the underlying luster glistening. The strike is sharp like on a P-mint 1926 (it is the 1926-S double eagles where poor rims predominate). Further, we note no weakness on the main devices on either side. There are a few light bagmarks in the obverse field and on Liberty, but a glass is needed to see them -- a euphemism for "none are major, not a one objectionable." Among the most desired double eagles in the series in any condition. Worthy of the finest collection.

In the context of the 1920s the production figure for the 1926-D is considered small, just 481,000 pieces. It is to be expected that of these, only a few were distributed, perhaps a thousand or so. Today, the population is likely in the range of 300 to 450 pieces according to the field population in Bowers' double eagle guide book, placing it squarely in the rarity class. (Years ago, just a handful were known, and much ink was expended on extolling the fame of the 1926-D. Catalogs from the late 1940s and early 1950s are well worth reading in this regard. They transmit an appreciation for the Saint-Gaudens series, not only the '26-D but for other key issues as well.) As noted, this is a watershed event in any sale of U.S. gold coins. Pop 49; 73 finer (PCGS # 9184) .
Estimated Value $30,000 - 33,000.