1925 $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle NGC MS65 (CAC)

Here’s an absolutely gorgeous example of this popular date in Gem condition, further endorsed by CAC. "The 1925 is nearly always very sharply struck," writes gold expert David Akers. "The lustre and color on most specimens is typically very good to excellent. All specimens are frosty. Although the color varies rather widely, most specimens are in the orange or rose colored gold category. Many examples also have appealing greenish gold iridescence or highlights."

NGC has graded 5,060 as MS65 with 965 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $3,750.00 in MS65. In CAC, there are 303 in MS65 with 111 finer. CAC prices the 1925 Saint at $3,880.00 in MS65.

An early model for the reverse of the double eagle, which displays the date in Roman numerals. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Numismatic scholar and art critic Cornelius Vermeule writes, "The double eagle is perhaps the most majestic coin ever to bear our national imprint .… The eagle in flight against the sun on the reverse achieves complete domination of motion and expanding vista over the confines of a tiny tondo. Although the authorities at the Mint flattened the relief to facilitate striking and handling, this coin has remained a forceful demonstration that modern, mechanical coinage need in no way be pedestrian."