1931 $20 MS(PCGS#9192)

1931 $20 MS (PCGS#9192)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: A numismatically desirable example with nearly complete satin luster on both sides. The vivid golden-rose color is original and visually pleasing. A soft matte-like texture in the fields is enhanced by fine traces of die polishing that one will need a loupe to discern. Sharply defined across all regions and devoid of any distracting marks, only a hint of trivial friction on the obverse precludes a full Mint State grade. This is a noteworthy survivor from this rare and underappreciated issue that will surely go on to grace an advanced double eagle cabinet.<p>Despite the fact that 1931 was one of the worst years of the Great Depression, the Philadelphia Mint struck 2,938,250 double eagles. Very few were distributed, however, and virtually the entire mintage remained in federal storage until destroyed during the Mint's mass-melting of gold coins later in the decade. Only about 125 coins are believed extant, and the fact that most are Mint State confirms that this issue did not see active commercial use. This one is virtually so, as above, and the trivial handling that resulted in an AU-58 grade from PCGS is almost certainly numismatic as opposed to commercial. In any event, a rare coin that will see spirited bidding.