Lot 1319
1927-S $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-66. In NGC holder 1911240-002. Frosty and well struck. As is the case with many branch mint dates in the Saint-Gaudens series from the 1920s and early 1930s, the 1927-S had considerable prestige despite its mintage. Slightly over three million were struck in the San Francisco mint in this year. (Almost the entire mintage was melted in the 1930s.) In the 1940s, the 1927-S was considered by collectors to be one of the Big Four in terms of rarity.
Since that time, a relatively few auction appearances of low-end Mint State grade 1927-S double eagles occur since this is one of the more widely appreciated S-mint rarities of the period. Turnover of "estate" and "name" sales was barely sufficient to supply the increasing demand. Most of these, again, were low-end, generally bagmarked specimens. Near-Gem to Gem quality examples turn out to be incredibly rare. Originally thought to be even rarer than the legendary 1927-D, came the 1950s, and that perception changed when a few pieces turned up in European bank hoards. But like the 1926-D, the 1927-S never occurs in any quantity. Very few are auctioned today in all grades, and it is always an occasion when we have one to offer. The smart, sparkling golden luster flares into heavy frostiness in a few areas with magnificent hues and smooth flow into all the crevices. Such, then, for luster. Turning to the other key factor: a coin that is desirable with this meticulous strike on the figure and face of Liberty, the sun rays and the small Capitol dome by her side. The eagle, for its part, continues the sharp relief into the wings, flight feathers, and all of the breast detail, with few grade-activating marks to draw your critical attention to. All in all a landmark offering of this important rarity. Pop 4; 2 finer in 67 (PCGS # 9188) .
Estimated Value $150,000 - 185,000.
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| Realized $161,000 |
