1905 $20 MS63 Certification #05905732, PCGS #9047

1905 Twenty Dollar, MS63 
Scarce Issue in Mint Condition 1905 $20 MS63 PCGS. Garrett and Guth note for this issue: "Most of the coins seen have been plucked from gold shipments that have returned to the United States in recent years. The average coin grades AU-58 to MS-61. Choice examples of the date are very rare, and none are known at the gem level." This Select example splits the difference; it is clearly a desirable coin on a higher tier than the more commonly seen AU58 or MS61 pieces, yet it is not at a stratospheric price point as is seen with the few known finer examples. A blush of rose color visits wheat and orange-gold surfaces that are immensely lustrous. Strongly struck with just a few abrasions, such as those on Liberty's brow and below the chin, that preclude an even finer designation. Population: 72 in 63 (2 in 63+), 14 finer (11/21). Ex: ANA WFOM Signature (Heritage, 3/2010), lot 2709. From The Buxton Collection. (Registry values: N1793) PCGS Set Registry inventory of Vision Collection 1/22 Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26D2, PCGS# 9047); PCGS 9047.63 / 05905732

David Akers (1975/88)

The 1905 is the rarest 20th Century Liberty Head Double Eagle. It is much rarer than the lower mintage 1902 or the 1906 and it is also more rare in all grades, including Unc., than the underrated 1901-S, 1902-S and 1905-S. In terms of overall rarity, the 1905 is similar to the 1888, 1889 and 1898 but it may well be more rare than any of those three dates in full mint state. I consider the 1905 to be very scarce in Unc-60 condition and rare in choice Unc. Only a few gems are reported (I have not personally seen one, though) and so the 1905 must be rated as very rare at the MS-65 level.