1925-S $20 MS(PCGS#9182)

The Collectors' Auction - 2020

拍卖行

Scotsman

批号

490

等级

MS64

价格

214,514

详细说明

19 graded MS-64, 4 higher at NGC. Nearly 3.8-million 1925-S double-eagles were struck, which ranks as one of the high emissions for the series - third highest as a matter of fact. One must therefore ask how it become such a coveted key within the double-eagle series. Two factors conspired against the future availability of mint-state specimens, beginning with the fact that this was one of the issues heavily reclaimed during the great gold melt-downs of the decade of the 1930s. Furthermore, evidence suggests that of the few 1925-S double-eagles that evaded melting, many actually did enter into circulation, based on the disproportionate population that shows evidence of handling and wear. The net effect of persecution on both fronts means it is an extremely rare issue above the "choice" levels, and any that reaches the gem grade is going to set back a prospective buyer by a hefty amount. NGC must have recognized that this is a rather well defined example of 1925-S, given that many turn up with uneven strikes. Such is not the case here, where the devices appear to be powerfully detailed from edge-to-edge, viewed from either side. Such a great strike results, in turn, in a profusion of brassy luster bands and considerable eye-appeal "in the hand", with scant abrasions to detract. Liberty's face shows reasonably accurate delineation (practically on par with 1926 and 1928 strikings), all of the windows are individually segmented on the capitol dome, and the eagle's breast feathers seem to be intricate and sharply outlined. A very few minimal abrasions land upon Liberty's central torso, knee and shin, which is entirely in keeping with the MS-64 grade level. Cataloger's footnote: Interestingly, the population of the 1925-S has declined by one in the last year. Crossover, perhaps?