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Sale 42
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Lot 3533
1925-D $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-65. NGC #2090959-012. Like the 1924-D twenty, the 1925-D also had its rarity ranking readjusted since the mid-20th century by the emergence of a few small hoards overseas. While both dates are similar in overall rarity, the edge in high grades such as this resplendent MS65 goes to the 1925-D. We have not offered a Gem for quite some while, and we also have no need to remind bidders that an MS65 example appearing at auction is an event worth remembering. Typically well impressed for the issue, the devices rise boldly above the fields with solid overall definition. The luster is frosty throughout, the surfaces bathed (dare we say "refreshed") by original reddish-gold color. A tiny mark is seen on Liberty's brow; this is the only worthwhile pedigree marker to use, along with the aforementioned grading holder serial number.
Regarded coolly, without moving from the chair in which you are seated reading this, we can honestly say that to find another incredible beautiful gem like this, especially at the visual level this coin supplies the viewer, is an undertaking not to be sneezed at. You might as well hope to climb Mount Everest or book passage on the first Space Shuttle flight to the Moon! Miss Liberty seemingly glides forth from a rich glowing orange rose aura into the bright golden dawn, while a whisper of the same lovely orange and warm gold hues spreads throughout the eagle's plumage on the reverse. Do not let the mintage figure of more than 2.9 million pieces fool you; it fails to take into consideration the fact that most of these were stored in bank vaults or at the various Treasury buildings and Federal Reserve Banks in the late 1920s and early 1930s. During the gold recall of 1933-34, nearly all the issue was put behind locked doors and later transferred to deep storage at the newly built Fort Knox (1937). In the latter half of the 1930s, almost all of the millions of double eagles that the government seized were melted, to be refashioned into 90% "coin gold" (as opposed to "good delivery .995 fine) 400-ounce gold bars. Only a individual pieces few escaped the melting furnaces. Some of those headed overseas during the bank panics of 1931-33. Indeed, the 1925-D double eagle was once thought of as a major rarity by collectors. It was only after a few had been brought back from Europe that the price has come down within the reach of advanced collectors. Before this time, only an extremely wealthy individual on a par with Andrew Mellon or Edward Green could hope to obtain one. The present Gem gets our nod (and NGC's stamp of approval) for physical originality and attractiveness. It belongs in a world-class collection. Pop 7; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 9181) .
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
The Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $74,750 |
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