Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 39

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$20 St. Gaudens 1911-1924

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2727		1920-S $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-62. Popular key date. Nice untoned example. For those collectors who are new to the Saint-Gaudens series of coins, the 1920-S is a rarely-seen double eagle. When found, most examples are in the AU58 to MS62 grade range with very few finer. This lovely MS62 is among the finest examples known and clearly merits its "62" grade. Few have been certified finer. The vibrant-gold color seen over each side is accented by an occasional hint of red that adds considerable visual appeal. Softly defined in a few areas, as almost always seen on 1920-S twenties, there are no marks that could be used as pedigree identifiers on this magnificent coin, nor any that should cause bidders to hesitate in their desire to own it. Pop 14; 24 finer; 10 in 63; 13 in 64; 1 in 65. At the end of the First World War, there was a global period of sharp inflation, where even the winning combatants faced economic dislocations. Since high inflation had not been experienced in almost a generation in the industrialized nations, especially those that remained, like the U.S. on a gold standard, this period was seen as proof that the gold standard was a defense against inflation caused by excess paper money and banking credit issues. By 1920, the time of this rare $20 gold piece, there was a general belief that price stability would only return with the reestablishment of the gold standard, a conviction that would remain in place until the turmoil of the 1930s. Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $57,500
Lot 2728		1921 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck with lovely golden toning. Popular key date. A date missing from most collections. Treasury Department records indicate that the Philadelphia mint struck slightly more than half a million double eagles in 1921. While it is not know what became of most of these coins (rumors are they were melted), numismatists know that the 1921 is one of the premier rarities in the Saint-Gaudens $20 gold series. To this day, the 1921 compares favorably to the similarly spellbinding 1920-S, although the nod goes to the Philadelphia Mint issue in higher grades in terms of rarity. Approximately half of the known population is in circulated condition. This beautiful Choice Mint State 63 is well struck on the obverse with a satin-like sheen that yields strong cartwheel luster properties. On the reverse, none of the eagle's feathers are soft, which is most unusual since 1921-dated pieces tend to be weak on the upper wing edges and breast detail. Rich peach-orange to orange-gold colors merge splendidly over the surfaces of both sides. Several tiny abrasions are not unusual for a coin in MS63 grade, but fortunately there are no marks of distinction which require amplification. What does deserve repetition, however, is this date's unusual rarity in the grade. A bidding opportunity for either the double eagle or 20th century gold specialist! Housed in PCGS holder 21895703. Pop 9; 6 finer; 3 in 64; 2 in 65; 1 in 66. (PCGS # 9172) . Useless bit of trivia: In 1921 two now-forgotten Hollywood movies aired, one titled "Wet Gold" and the other "Mary-Find-The-Gold." Also in 1921, the famous Newmont Mining Company was founded. Estimated Value $175,000 - 200,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $218,500
Lot 2729		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Well struck with very few marks in the fields. Lovely light golden toning. A solid Gem. Pleasingly bright and lustrous, both sides of this handsome 1922 are warmly colored, vivid and attractive. A solidly graded, high quality Gem, this coin displays impressive striking definition for a Saint-Gaudens double eagle from this year, as well. This is also to say that the strike is full, including the facial features and blouse of Liberty, and the eagle's body detail as well. There are a couple of tiny marks on Liberty's knee, but the eagle's body is smooth, satiny, and without breaks in the luster due to bagmarks (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 2730		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Frosty and untoned. Both sides are saturated in brilliant gold color that accentuates the swirling luster (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $675 - 725. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 2731		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice frosty example. A lovely, frosty-golden coin, there are no heavy bagmarks on either side (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $675 - 725. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 2732		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Delicately toned. Easily the most visually arresting feature of this coin is its soft, frosted mint luster. Full swirling luster on both sides, in fact, with only light bagmarks present (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $840
Lot 2733		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Old green holder. Nice and frosty. Natural rose color toning with some darker streaks on the reverse. Minor nicks on Liberty (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2734		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-61. Some obverse marks. Minimally Uncirculated quality (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $600 - 625. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $719
Lot 2735		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-60. A few widely scattered bagmarks assign it to the MS60 grade (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $600 - 625. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $780
Lot 2736		1922-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A very choice frosty mint speciman displaying full mint bloom colors. A popular issue with satiny deep yellow gold color, sharp design details, and pleasing surfaces. Beveled obverse and reverse rims are typical of this issue. Pop 208; 12 finer; 10 in 65; 2 in 66. (PCGS # 9174) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,750
Lot 2737		1922-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck with nice even light toning on both sides. Although numismatic sources refer to hoards of 1922-S double eagles that emerged in Central America and Europe, little mention is made of near-gem quality examples. It stands to reason, then, the present survivor should be considered among the nicer representatives of this S-mint emission in today's quality focused market. Both sides gleam with frost having a pleasing reddish-gold hue. A few bagmarks are noted on both sides, but there are deep nicks that would seem to bar this scarce coin from an even higher grade. Pop 219; 12 finer; 10 in 65; 2 in 66. (PCGS # 9174) . On May 30, 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., before a crowd estimated to be 100,000 people. Architects and commentators described the Memorial the most beautiful edifice in America. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,865
Lot 2738		1922-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned around the borders. Our professional admiration for this 1922-S causes us to inquire politely, eying the bold devices and frosty luster, whether a bid isn't in order from the various collectors reading this and digesting the photographs provided by our celebrity photographer, Lyle. For if ever a coin was drowning in mint frost, this one is. Like a perfect summer evening, the warm golden luster twinkles from horizon to horizon; with one side like the other, choice, glowing. And only a few contact marks in the fields set a hurdle to a loftier grade. Pop 219; 12 in 65; 2 in 66. (PCGS # 9174) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2739		1923 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A few light bagmarks on the blouse and lower figure of Liberty. Sleek, satin luster throughout. The large increase in double eagle mintage occurs in 1923-28, partly resulting from imports of gold bullion from Great Britain. Britain in those days ran a large trade deficit with America, with the payments shortfall made up by transfers of gold (PCGS # 9175) . Estimated Value $675 - 725. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 2740		1923 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-62. Lightly toned atop frosty mint luster. With the boom of the Roaring Twenties getting under way about the time this double eagle was minted, coinage levels began to increase as business conditions improved (PCGS # 9175) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2741		1923 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. Reddish-golden luster. A few scattered abrasions in the left obverse field are noticeable (PCGS # 9175) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $780
Lot 2742		1923 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-61. A frosty coin (PCGS # 9175) . Estimated Value $600 - 625. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2743		1923-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. Old green holder. Nicely toned. This exceptionally pleasing Gem Mint State 66 example has rich pinkish gold patina over each side with subtle accents of warmer hues in the outer fields. Being a '23-D it is one of a select group of well-struck examples with sharp details. Lastly, it has no bothersome abrasions or points of wear (PCGS # 9176) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2744		1923-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. Very clean surfaces. Pinkish to tawny-gold in color with a beautiful satiny allure, the surfaces reveal a few scattered obverse abrasions but none which merit further attention. If one were to take a poll, we'd see that the strike is outstanding for the 1923-D issue in being sharp with the excellent metal flows on both sides into the deepest die recesses; in other words, a very bold strike. The 1923-D Saint has long been a favorite with collectors (when they can find a lovely MS66 like this). Luster is consistently beautiful; the strike, equally so; and the overall beauty much finer than many other dates in the 1920s (PCGS # 9176) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 2745		1923-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. Olive and pinkish golden colors. Let us introduce you to a statuesque lady Liberty on this beautiful 1923-D double eagle. There are no awkward marks or toning spots to get in the way of the smooth flow of surface luster. The color has already been mentioned. At this point, with the coin's sale close at hand, bidders may want to prepare themselves for a little action before the auctioneer calls the final bid. Pop 1215; 55 in 67. (PCGS # 9176) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,588
Lot 2746		1923-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Untoned and well struck, as almost always found. The luster on these D-mint pieces is smooth, satiny, beautiful -- the perfect combination for any collector (PCGS # 9176) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 2747		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. Lovely intense golden toning. Clearly superior to the vast majority of heavily abraded Uncirculated $20 pieces, this dazzling peach-golden beauty has only one or two well hidden blemishes and benefits from the high production standards set by the Mint during this period (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 2748		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. Lovely rich golden toning. A bright coin soaking up mint glow on warm orange-tinted surfaces with nothing to censor it from its refined '66 grade. (The double eagle, whose net gold content is .9675 of an ounce, actually weighs more than an ounce, because it has 10% copper alloy to add strength and lessen the chance of damage. At the time these were current -- 1850-1933 -- the gold "standard" equated to $20.67 per ounce.) (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,473
Lot 2749		1924 $20 St. Gaudens (2). ANACS graded MS-61. Both are nice coins. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details	Realized $1,380
Lot 2750		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-62. Each is fully brilliant. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details	Realized $1,438
Lot 2751		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Light golden toning. A desirable high quality Gem for the date, this example displays almost enthralling golden color whose satin surface is fresh, original, with sharp detail including both main devices (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2752		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Nicely toned. Brilliant and refreshingly clean for this $20 type, with flickering luster on the devices and sundrenched golden fields. The fields, by the way, are exceedingly choice and satin-bright with much eye-appeal. This Type is familiar to collectors of United States gold. It was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens (a famous late-19th, early 20th century American sculptor) (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 2753		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely golden toning. A brilliant coin with dazzling luster, virtually jumping out at the viewer, almost pristine in its originality. Talk about a piece with a lot of pizzazz! Beyond that, the striking is acceptably sharp, everything comes together to yield an opportunity that should be grabbed (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 2754		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Rich golden-orange colors. Having unburdened ourselves with the descriptions of many Gem Saint-Gaudens twenty-dollar gold pieces in auctions of years gone by, it still causes us to sit up in our chair when a beautiful MS65 like this 1924 comes along. Now that the time approaches to bid, this coin will reach its final destination. The question you should ask yourself is, will that destination be My coin collection? (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 2755		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty golden-orange mint gem. Color is all original in shade, and lovely iridescence can be found throughout its superior fields and well struck devices (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,236
Lot 2756		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty gem specimen and lightly toned. Creamy luster, the rich golden color has none of the usual coppery alloy spots. As such, it is a nicely struck Gem 1924 exhibiting fine detail to all the high points (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 2757		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A hint of light golden colors. Flowing mint brilliance like a shimmering waterfall cascades over each side of this fully struck specimen (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $675 - 725. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $891
Lot 2758		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice mint bloom colors. Glowing luster (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $675 - 725. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $891
Lot 2759		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Nice light golden toning. A colorful example, fully struck with warm color that rises and falls in an almost rhythmic display (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2760		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Frosty with only a few light bagmarks here and there (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $805
Lot 2761		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Bright and lustrous with some light bagmarks. Nice golden frost from edge to edge (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2762		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Sparkels with luster and heavy with golden frost on this attractive Choice specimen (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2763		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Bright and frosty. Another Saint blessed with full flame-colored mint frost from center to periphery. Not to forget the other side of the story, there is also a wealth of detail seen throughout this well struck specimen (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $840
Lot 2764		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Full-blown luster throughout with minimal scuffs and bagmarks. Sharp strike (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2765		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Lightly toned, lightly bagmarked. Mint-original surfaces and luster (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2766		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Extra frosty luster (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2767		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Frosty with greenish-golden surfaces. Full glowing mint luster, the color of hot fire (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2768		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-63. Lustrous throughout, displaying attractive qualities. Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $840
Lot 2769		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-62. Lightly toned. A frosty example of this common issue (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $780
Lot 2770		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-62. Bright with golden orange color and luster (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2771		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-62. Lightly toned. Another frosty coin, this time slightly better than average (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $780
Lot 2772		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. The centers have bright pinkish gold patina. A well struck specimen that has imposing luster and the usual light bagmarks on the surfaces (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $780
Lot 2773		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. A choice specimen, well struck, frosty with some typical bagmark abrasions (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2774		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. Bright and lustrous. A nice flow of golden frost from center to periphery makes this a choice Saint (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $780
Lot 2775		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. Both sides display an exceptional frosty sheen typical for 1924, with choice mint brilliance, being predominately free of all but the smallest bagmarks (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2776		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. Some bagmarks on the figure of Liberty, with others on the more exposed nearer wing of the eagle. Crisp bloom from the dies all the same; a very appealing specimen of this inexpensive issue whose luster is all original (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $780

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