Frank's Gaudens
1912

Owner Comments:

This date is very popular as the Philadelphia issue are the only Double Eagles struck for the year. They are doubly popular this year during the centennial of its issue. In early 1912, New Mexico and Arizona joined the United States, thus increasing the 46 star count then current on the obverse die. An additional two stars were added below the date near the oak leaves, and the other 46 stars remained in their current place. Although technically a new type was created by the addition of the two stars, these additional stars are not widely recognized by collectors. As a result of its low mintage, the 1912 Double Eagle is quite scarce in all levels of Mint State. Most seen are heavily bag marked, probably the result of rough handling from their trips overseas and back. Small groups of the date have surfaced over the years, but very few have been found in Gem condition. Just 3 coins have been certified as MS 66 by NGC, and the last one to appear sold for $27,600 in 2005. Interestingly, the business strike 1912 Double Eagle is one of the few gold coins missing from the Smithsonian collection