PCGS MS66+
PCGS MS66
- PCGS #:
- 9188
- Designer:
- Augustus Saint Gaudens
- Edge:
- Lettered
- Diameter:
- 34.00 millimeters
- Weight:
- 33.40 grams
- Mintage:
- 3,107,000
- Mint:
- San Francisco
- Metal:
- 90% Gold, 10% Copper
- Auction Record:
- $690,000 • MS67 • 08-31-2025 • Heritage Auctions
Major Varieties
- 1927-S $20
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 225 |
| 60 or Better | 160 |
| 65 or Better | 20 |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-6.7 |
| 60 or Better | R-7.4 |
| 65 or Better | R-9.1 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 9 / 49 |
| 60 or Better | 8 / 49 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 10 / 49 TIE |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 9 / 54 |
| 60 or Better | 8 / 54 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 10 / 54 TIE |
Condition Census What Is This?
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
Museum of Connecticut History - Heritage 6/1995:6027, $181,500 - Philip Morse - Heritage 11/2005:6698, $345,000 - Heritage 2/2006:13724, not sold - sold privately to Dr. and Mrs. Steven L. Duckor Collection - Heritage 1/2012:4645, $276,000 - Heritage 8/2012:5460, $282,000 - Heritage 1/2013:5966, $340,750 |
|
#1 MS67 estimated grade
National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution |
|
#3 MS66 PCGS grade
Dr. Thaine Price - David Akers 5/1998:116, $132,000 |
#3 MS66 PCGS grade
Bowers & Merena 7/2002:931, $97,750 - Kutasi Collection - Heritage FUN 1/2007:3304, $172,500 - Heritage ANA 8/2007:2084, $184,000 - Jay Brahin - Heritage FUN 1/2010:2334, $276,000 |
#5 MS65+ PCGS grade
Phillip H. Morse Collection - Heritage 11/2005:6699, $132,250 - Heritage 4/2006:11486, not sold - Heritage 1/2007:3827, not sold - Heritage 10/2008:2506, $138,000 - Heritage 7/2009:1358, not sold - Heritage 10/2009:1950, $109,250 - Heritage 3/2010:2841, $109,250 - Heritage 1/2006:11370, not sold - Heritage 12/2005:14070, not sold |
#5 MS65+ PCGS grade
Heritage 3/2004:6609, $119,600 - Jacob Collection of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles - Heritage 1/2008:3397, $149,500 |
#5 MS65+ PCGS grade
Simpson Collection |
#8 MS65 PCGS grade
|
#8 MS65 PCGS grade
New England Rare Coin Auctions 7/1980:367 - Dr. Steven Duckor - Jay Brahin - Ray Moore - Heritage 9/2008:4504, $161,000 - Bella Collection- A&A Saints Collection |
| #8 MS65 PCGS grade |
Four decades ago, the 1927-S was considered to be the fourth rarest issue of the series after the 1924-S, 1926-D and 1926-S (in that order). It was thought to be more rare than the 1920-S or 1921 and even the 1927-D. Over the next 20 or so years, one or a few specimens at a time showed up in shipments of double eagles from Europe, but I do not recall ever hearing of any "hoards" or even a single roll quantity of this issue being discovered. Some real gems of this issue are known and I have seen two or three examples that were distinctly better than MS-65, i.e. MS65+ if not MS-67.
The 1927-S is usually very sharply struck with fully frosty or somewhat satiny surfaces and very good to excellent lustre and color. Some specimens have very rounded or beveled rims and many show evidence of die bulging or die deterioration near the borders. Die breaks are commonplace and on some soecimens they are very prominent. (One variety has a large semicircular die break running along the bottom of RTY through the olive branch to the date.) The typical 1927-S is a rich greenish gold and orange or coppery color. Copper stains are very common on this issue.