Lot 1710
1927-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck and lustrous, bursting with rich golden mint bloom colors. Some minor contact marks scattered about, none of which are too serious. The golden color flows smoothly over both sides and is full with a somewhat satin texture. This is a decidedly above-average example with good details, unlike most S-mint twenties this year. It has no bothersome spots or points of wear, nor did the dies leave behind a less than rigid impression in the form of softness in the centers. The centers are fully detailed, including the eagle's breast and leg feathers.
Many issues in the Saint-Gaudens series from the 1920s and 1930s had a substantial mintage. In this case, 3.1 million S-mint $20s were produced in this year. However, the bulk of these was melted in the 1930s. By the early 1940s, the 1927-S was thought to be the fourth scarcest dates in the series and was considered by many as more elusive than even the 1927-D. The 1950s changed that perception a few pieces began to turn up in European hoards acquired by American coin dealers and bullion traders. The 1927-S is, today, still among the most elusive issues in the Saint-Gaudens double eagle series, hence the fervor with which they are sought out by specialized collectors. Pop 27; 5 in 64, 5 in 65, 2 in 66, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 9188) .
Estimated Value $45,000 - 50,000.
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| Realized $42,550 |
