1924-S $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle PCGS MS64 Ex. Rive d'Or Collection

Note: This coin has not been sent to CAC for review and possible endorsement by us.

The 1924-S Saint was considered one of the great numismatic rarities, for until the 1950s it was believed that a mere five or six examples existed. That decade saw a small amount found in Europe. Then later, during the mid-1960s, over a hundred more specimens came to America from Europe. The number of 1924-S coins has grown over the years, but it is very difficult to acquire in gem grades.

PCGS has graded 130 as MS64 with 34 finer. Collectors Universe give this issue a price of $40,000.00 in MS64. Out of its original mintage of 2,927,500, only 573 have been graded by PCGS.

The San Francisco Mint, where this rare piece was struck in 1924.

Jeff Garrett writes, “The rarity and survival numbers of the 1924–S Double Eagle are nearly identical to the 1924–D issue. Despite a large mintage, most were melted and small numbers have been found in recent decades coming from European banks. Most seen are rather well struck and lustrous with the typical rounded rims seen on San Francisco coins. They are commonly found with die wear on the peripheral devices and lettering in the form of a shadowy ring.”