The biggest deal closed was by Great Collections on January 16, 2025, to buy a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens double eagle at $3.84 million.
The Denver minted 1927-D Saint-Gaudens double eagle is very few coins in existence but carries great importance historically and numismatically.
1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens double eagle is the $20 gold coin of 1927 produced at the Denver Mint; original production was supposed to be around 180,000 but nowadays, fewer than a dozen have survived to see the light. Four are lodged in permanent collections within museums – three within the Smithsonian Institution – and one resides with the Museum of Connecticut History.
This happened because President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order in 1933 that forbade most private gold ownership, causing most of the gold coins to be melted and turned into gold bars.
The Saint-Gaudens Series as Cultural Icon
The Saint-Gaudens double eagle series is one of the most collectible coins, minted between 1907 and 1933 in a quest to obtain a very ideal iconic design. The obverse design was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt in his efforts to beautify the U.S. coinage, and it’s highly regarded as a masterpiece that is often featured in lists of most famous designs of any coin.
This coin was graded MS-65+ by the Professional Coin Grading Service, and Certified Acceptance Corp. accepted it.
The high-grade grading of the coin indicates its quality and scarcity. This makes the coin highly attractive to collectors.
Provenance and Auction Information
- This is an extremely rare coin.
- The rare coin market has, on average, risen at least fivefold over the past three decades, especially for such trophy coins.
- The coin was sold during Heritage Auctions’ January 14-19 FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction in Dallas following the Florida United Numismatists convention.
Great Collections’ View
“We are thrilled to have won this Grail of American numismatics,” says Ian Russell, president of Great Collections.
For collectors, it is a dream coin to own, and an essential piece for completing a set of the Saint-Gaudens series. It may be many years before another one comes on the market.
| Year | Mint | Mintage | Known Examples | Notable Collections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Denver (D) | 180,000 | ~12 | Smithsonian Institution, Museum of Connecticut History |
| 1933 | Philadelphia (P) | 445,500 | 1 (legal) | Smithsonian Institution |
| 1920 | San Francisco (S) | 558,000 | ~25 | Various private collections |
| 1921 | Philadelphia (P) | 528,500 | ~10 | Smithsonian Institution, private collections |
Great Collections’ purchase of this 1927-D Saint-Gaudens double eagle highlights the timeless appeal and worth of unique numismatic rarities. This coin is a monument to the great history and artistic quality of American coinage, as the demand for such rarities continues to flourish.
Conclusion:
A sale of the 1927-D $20 gold coin to Great Collections for a whopping $3.84 million underscores the consistent demand for such high-value coins with historical value in the numismatic world.
This sale would not only underscore the appreciation by the market towards rare collectibles but also throw light on rising interest in investment in gold coins.
As such acquisitions continue to attract attention, they serve as a testament to the enduring value of these remarkable pieces of history, both as collectibles and investment opportunities. Keep an eye on the evolving market as similar rare coin transactions are likely to shape the future of numismatics.
FAQS:
Why is the Saint-Gaudens double eagle of 1927-D so uncommon?
Due to its small survival rate, the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens double eagle is extremely uncommon. Only roughly a dozen are thought to remain today, despite the fact that 180,000 were struck.
What is the significance of the MS-65+ grade?
The MS-65+ indicates that the coin is in the gem uncirculated condition coupled with superb eye appeal. Since this high-grade coin is an extremely rare version, its values are significantly driven up among collector circles.