1902 $20 MS(PCGS#9041)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3188

Grade

MS65

Price

49,200

Lot Description

This awe-inspiring Gem possesses remarkably smooth surfaces for an issue that is rare even in Choice Mint State preservation. It approaches perfection for the issue, in fact, and also sports outstanding mint luster in a billowy, satin to softly frosted texture. A few faint, widely scattered alloy spots hardly detract, being overwhelmed by dominant color in bright, vivid medium gold. Fully struck and breathtakingly beautiful.<p>With a mere 31,140 pieces produced, the 1902 has the lowest mintage of any circulation strike Liberty Head double eagle coined during the 20th century. Q. David Bowers in his 2004 <em>Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins</em> gives an estimate of 1,000 to 1,500 Mint State survivors or possibly more. A comparatively rare issue in the MS-61 to MS-63 grade range, the relatively low mintage adds considerable appeal at those levels. Any finer and the 1902 is a world-class condition rarity by any measure. In PCGS MS-65 this is a high Condition Census offering that deserves the undivided attention of advanced double eagle collectors.