1906-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS65
SOLD
SKU
37648980
Out of its original mintage of 2,065,750, only 5,113 have been graded by PCGS. Common up to a certain grade, it become rare in MS64--but is a super-rarity in MS65--with a mere 2 given that regal grade, with 2 finer (as of 3/2021). This is a registry coin of great drama and beauty--the kind of specimen found only in the most important collections. The discriminating numismatist sees a piece like this and understands its significance. Just imagine having this simply stunning piece in your collection.
1906-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS65--$16,975.00
It is not often that such a specimen is offered to the numismatic community. This date in MS65 is quite a treasure for the intrepid numismatist who prides him- or herself on hunting down simply the finest U.S. gold coins. What adds further value to this piece is that it emanated from the San Francisco mint the year of the tragic earthquake of 1906. Gold specialist David Akers writes, "The 1906-S is not especially hard to find in Unc-60 but it is moderately scarce in choice Unc. Gems are very scarce and I doubt if more than a few superb uncs exist." Yes, this is indeed one of the "few superb uncs" that is out there. This would be the perfect addition to a type set of unparalleled U.S. gold coins.
The creation of the double eagle design and coin saw conflict reach a fever pitch within the U.S. Mint--between chief coiner Franklin Peale and mint director Robert Patterson on one side, and chief engraver James B. Longacre on the other. Patterson despised the senator who influenced Longacre's appointment, while Peale was running an illicit private business making medals for private clients--on the mint's dime with their equipment--with the mint director's unspoken approval. Peale had possession of the Contamin portrait lathe, which was needed to reduce models of designs of medals and coins to reductions from which working dies could be made. Peale did not want to share the lathe, which was a problem when the new double eagle was being created. Obstacle after obstacle was thrown in Longacre's path as he worked on the coin. Harassment was a constant companion for the skilled engraver, from both Patterson and Peale. It was the result of corruption by and friendship between the two mint officers. No help with engraving work, broken galvanos, smashed dies, rejected dies--on more than one occasion--and a false claim of being relieved from his position--were what Longacre had to face regularly. Finally he went to the Treasury Secretary in Washington, who discovered all the lies told about Longacre and his work from the Mint officials; that meeting saved his job as chief engraver.
| PCGS # | 9051 |
|---|---|
| Grading Service | NONE |
| Year of Issue | NONE |
| Grade | NONE |
| Denom Type | N/A |
| Numeric Denomination | $20 |
| Mint Location | NONE |
| Designation | NONE |
| Circ/UnCirc | Not Specified |
| Strike Type | N/A |
| Grade Add On | NONE |
| Holder Type | N/A |
