1928 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC. A richly original example with a sharp strike and bold blend of medium orange patina and lovely mint frost. Struck on the eve of the Great Depression, the 8,816,000 double eagles struck at Philadelphia proved to be by far the largest mintage for the series and the last readily available issue for the entire series. A significant portion were shipped abroad in international trade while a smaller quantity were paid out domestically. The massive Treasury melts of the 1930s took their toll on the coins that remained. The coins that sat in European and South American vaults fared better and the vast majority that returned stateside beginning in the 1940s and 1950s are Uncirculated. The issue is readily available up through Gem Mint State and even above. However, in premium quality MS-66, the numbers diminish drastically. The present example is sure to sell for a strong premium.
