Lot 2235
1925-D. NGC graded MS-65. A nice frosty coin. Very scarce date. Like the 1924-D twenty, the 1925-D also had its rarity level lowered 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 a year or so, yet we 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 set of marks occurs to the right of Liberty's hip; this is the only worthwhile pedigree marker to use.
Regarded coolly, without moving from the chair in which you are seated reading this, we can honestly say that to find another beautiful gem like this, especially at the incredible visual level this coin supplies the viewer, is an undertaking not to be ignored. We could make a big show of it, but will just say that bidders might as well hope to climb Mount Everest or book passage on the first Branson flight to the Moon! 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 dissuade you; it fails to take into account that most pieces 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 melted (1933-37). The gold bars that resulted were interred in Fort Knox (1937). Only a few individual pieces escaped the melting furnaces. Indeed, the 1925-D double eagle was once considered to be a major rarity. It was only after a few had been brought back from Europe that the price declined and now is 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 $65,000 - 70,000.
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