1916-S $20

Description

1916-S $20 Gold Saint Gaudens Double Eagle, PCGS MS-66. This exceptional 1916-S Double Eagle represents one of the finest examples of this popular early San Francisco mintmark issue. Designed by the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens, this coin displays the iconic Liberty striding forward on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. The piece is graded PCGS MS-66 (PCGS Certificate #58450017), placing it among the upper echelon of known survivors with only 7 examples graded higher across the entire population of 213 certified pieces. The 1916-S is notable for its exceptional strike quality and outstanding eye appeal. The San Francisco Mint produced this issue to remarkably high standards, resulting in sharp definition and excellent luster that characterize the finest examples. The surfaces exhibit the rich greenish-gold color typical of this date, often with subtle orange or coppery tones that enhance its visual appeal. Unlike many early issues, the 1916-S typically avoids the metal flow problems seen on contemporary mintmarks, making high-grade examples particularly desirable to discerning collectors. While the 1916-S boasts a substantial original mintage of 796,000 pieces, it remains the second most common early mintmarked issue in the series. However, the discovery of significant hoards—including over 4,000 Mint State examples found in Central America in 1983—has established this date's availability primarily in MS-63 to MS-65 grades. This MS-66 example transcends typical market offerings, representing a genuinely scarce survivor that combines numismatic significance with outstanding aesthetic qualities. The coin's composition of 90% gold and 10% copper, combined with its lettered edge and substantial 33.4-gram weight, further underscores its appeal to both collectors and investors.