Lot 2797
1926-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Rich golden-orange color. Expertly produced, both sides are sharply detailed with full, vibrant, satiny luster. The color is a pleasing orange-gold shade, while the surfaces are silent on the subject of noteworthy abrasions. Conditionally scarce, this date is important, as such. Despite its status as the most frequently seen branch mint Double Eagle from the 1924-1926 years, the '26-S is still a scarce coin in an absolute sense. Akers (1988) estimates that only 150 to 200 pieces are extant -- an extremely limited assessment when viewed in light of the ever-growing cadre of buyers who have helped to make the Saint-Gaudens double eagle America's favorite gold coin. Most are Mint condition, although often grade no finer than Mint State 63.
In 1908, Congress ordered that the motto IN GOD WE TRUST once again take its place on the double eagle. This ruling overturned an earlier decision by President Theodore Roosevelt, who believed that the use of the deity's name on circulating coinage was sacrilege. The Motto dates of the Saint-Gaudens series were made almost nonstop through 1933 with but a singe three-year interruption in yearly production from 1917 to 1919. Rarities in the series are the 1920-S, 1921, 1927-D, 1927-S, 1929, 1930-S, 1931, 1931-D and 1932, most examples of which were melted in the Mint after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued the Gold Recall Act in 1933. Semi key-date issues include the 1908-S, 1924-D, 1924-S, 1925-D, 1925-S, 1926-D and this 1926-S. Pop 22; 2 finer in 66. (PCGS # 9185) .
Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000.
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| Realized $29,900 |
