We are pleased to be offering several examples of mintmarked Saint-Gaudens double eagles from the mid-1920s in this sale. The present near-Gem is perhaps the rarest, and, indeed, the 1925-S is a well-known key to this series. Unlike other issues of this type like the 1924-D, 1925-D, and 1926-S, the 1925-S is seen most often in worn grades, a fact that makes the Choice specimen in this lot a condition rarity as well as an absolute rarity.

As befits the issue, this important example is boldly struck over all elements of the design. There is no evidence of die buckling around the peripheries--an as-struck feature that is sometimes seen on extant '25-S double eagles. Light reddish-gold color and full, satiny luster shimmer across both sides in the absence of all but the most trivial bagmarks. Solidly graded, and a definite find for the advanced collector of 20th century gold. (PCGS 9182)