1912 $20 (Proof)

Series: St. Gaudens $20 1907-1915

PCGS PR67

PCGS PR67

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PCGS PR67

PCGS PR67

PCGS PR66+

PCGS PR66+

PCGS #:
9209
Designer:
Augustus Saint Gaudens
Edge:
Lettered
Diameter:
34.00 millimeters
Weight:
33.40 grams
Mintage:
74
Mint:
Philadelphia
Metal:
90% Gold, 10% Copper
Major Varieties

Die Varieties

Current Auctions - PCGS Graded
Current Auctions - NGC Graded
For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded
For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades Survival
Estimate
Numismatic
Rarity
Relative Rarity
By Type
Relative Rarity
By Series
All Grades 49 R-8.5 6 / 9 11 / 14
60 or Better 47 R-8.5 6 / 9 11 / 14
65 or Better 28 R-8.9 6 / 9 11 / 14
Survival Estimate
All Grades 49
60 or Better 47
65 or Better 28
Numismatic Rarity
All Grades R-8.5
60 or Better R-8.5
65 or Better R-8.9
Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades 6 / 9
60 or Better 6 / 9
65 or Better 6 / 9
Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades 11 / 14
60 or Better 11 / 14
65 or Better 11 / 14

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos Grade Image Pedigree and History
1 PR67 PCGS grade

Victoria Rose Collection - Heritage 1/2013:5973, $82,250 - Stack's/Bowers 3/2013:2199, $117,500 - Heritage 8/2013:5936, $211,500

2 PR67 PCGS grade PCGS #9209 (PR)     66+
2 PR66+ PCGS grade PR66+ PCGS grade
4 PR66 PCGS grade
4 PR66 PCGS grade
4 PR66 PCGS grade
4 PR66 PCGS grade
4 PR66 PCGS grade
4 PR66 PCGS grade
10 PR65 PCGS grade
#1 PR67 PCGS grade

Victoria Rose Collection - Heritage 1/2013:5973, $82,250 - Stack's/Bowers 3/2013:2199, $117,500 - Heritage 8/2013:5936, $211,500

PCGS #9209 (PR)     66+ #2 PR67 PCGS grade
PR66+ PCGS grade #2 PR66+ PCGS grade
#4 PR66 PCGS grade
#4 PR66 PCGS grade
#4 PR66 PCGS grade
#4 PR66 PCGS grade
#4 PR66 PCGS grade
#4 PR66 PCGS grade
#10 PR65 PCGS grade
David Akers (1975/88): Proofs of 1912 are very rare, about on a par with all the other Saint-Gaudens proofs (except the 1908 which is the commonest of the group). An estimated 20-25 proofs are known.
Ron Guth:

David Akers, the great guru of gold coins, guessed that 20 to 25 Matte Proof 1912 Double Eagles survived out of the original mintage of 74 pieces. The experts at PCGS suggest a population of between 45-55 pieces. The PCGS Population Report shows roughly two dozen grading events, though some duplication may have occurred because of resubmissions. Regardless of the estimates of the surviving population, the Matte Proof 1912 $20 is a decidedly rare coin.

The unusual finish on Matte Proofs was applied to the coins after they were struck. In most cases, Matte Proofs were lightly sandblasted, giving them a muted luster and an appearance that is completely different from that seen on coins made for circulation. Mintages for Matte Proofs are small because collector demand was low, not because the Mint limited production. Collectors had a hard time wrapping their heads around the unusual matte finish, remebering instead the beautiful black-and-white Cameo Proofs of previous decades. In that sense, Matte Proofs are an acquired taste, which once understood, is accepted energetically. The combination of extremely low mintages and the unusual finish have proven irresistible to many collectors.

The finest Matte Proof 1912 $20 is a PCGS PR67 that sold for a record $211,500 in 2013.