1930-S $20 MS(PCGS#9191)

The Collectors' Auction - 2022

拍卖行

Scotsman

批号

447

等级

MS65

价格

1,800,045

详细说明

Yours Truly Collection. Mintage: 74,000. 7 graded MS-65, 1 graded MS-65+, zero higher at NGC. Following only the 1927-D (and in some camps, the 1933), 1930-S represents the next rarest issue within the entire Saint Gaudens series. Formerly, other mintmarked dates of the mid-1920s were considered even rarer, but over the year, European hoards of double-eagles were discovered to contain examples of 1924-S, 1926-D and 1926-S which inflated their formerly extremely low populations, arguing the case of 1930-S as one of the two primary keys (1921 also contends for such honors). Curiously, for such a rare coin, population reports suggest most survivors to approach the gem grade level at either major certification company. For the cataloger, this specific, exceptional gem has added intrigue in that Scotsman Auction Company last sold it back in October 2008 (lot 866) where we speculated that Eliasberg owned the fifth or sixth finest example. During the intervening years, (re)submissions of other coins have altered the landscape such that we now believe the Eliasberg example to be the ninth finest example certified. It still resides in an older NGC holder and were it to earn an upgrade, even by virtue of a "plus", that would further disturb any existing census listing. One might expect such a rare and expensive coin to see its fair share of counterfeits, but the die crack aiming off into the obverse right field shows plainly and immediately suggests authenticity (which is obviously guaranteed by NGC). This is one of the two know obverse dies, producing about average definition and imparting delicate hints of die grease at the obverse extreme periphery. Delightful, fine matte texture produces the kind of classic look seen for late branch-mint Saints, this coin glowing with the charming soft luster usually seen. Comparing the appearance of the coin today to photos from past sales, it appears to have entire retained its original appearance, thus doing justice to the Eliasberg name and preserving the coin properly for the next generation of collectors.