The June 4, 2000, Dr. Jon Kardatzke Collection Parts II & III, Sale 5
Lot 2001 
1927-S. PCGS graded AU-55. Throw away the mintage figures on this date, as virtually all were melted. Perhaps 75 are known today, Breen estimated only 15, but that seems too low with today's Population Reports helping to expand our knowledge. This coin has mint fresh luster and is well struck, although a bit weak at the extreme edge, common on San Francisco double eagles of this period. An impressive coin for the grade, and one that will please most collectors for its well preserved surfaces and choice color.
Lot 2002
1928. MS-64. A frosty and lovely mint state example which boasts well preserved fields and devices, and fantastic mint bloom.
Lot 2003
1928. MS-63. Tons of luster and real choice surfaces on this, once thought to be the most common Saint, but Pop figures have shown it to be scarcer than some others.
Lot 2004
1928. MS-60. Brushed on the obverse, producing an artificially bright glow, but the color is a delight and it's certainly more desirable than some baggy BU.
Lot 2005
1928. AU-58. Cracked out of a PCGS AU 58 holder. Nearly new.
Lot 2006 
1930-S. Sharpness of MS-60 but one bagmark was removed. Careful examination reveals a small bagmark was removed left of the branch on the obverse, then that area was acid treated to simulate natural luster. The work was done by an expert and is scarcely detectable, even with a strong glass or microscope. Another area near the torch may also have been carefully repaired, but the work is so well done that the only evidence is a slight change in the color and luster in that area. The entire surfaces were then expertly cleaned. What is remarkable, is that this coin has the appearance of a near gem, with otherwise pristine fields, devices and rims. The strike is sharp and complete, and any collector who takes the time to study this coin will find very little wrong with it and lots of appeal.
As stated by Breen, perhaps 25 survive, almost all from European banks in the 1960s, and nearly all in varying grades of mint state. PCGS has only graded 24 of this date in their years of grading and regrading coins, so don't expect to find several to choose from in the near future. We feel this coin will do very well in spite of its minor problems, as these are greatly overshadowed by its rarity and overall quality.
Lot 2007 
1931. PCGS graded MS-64. A beautiful coin for the grade, this near gem boasts frosty luster and boldly struck devices. The surfaces show only microscopic bagmarks, and none of the usual problems that so often plague these large gold coins. Virtually the entire mintage was melted, and only a few remain. America's depression of the century was just really starting to dig in, jobs were scarce and savings were already gone. People simply couldn't afford luxuries, and setting aside a double eagle was not a choice many people could make. Hence, few went into circulation, and virtually all were later melted when gold was demonetized in 1933. This particular piece has two old copper spots which will serve to identify it for the future, one is located between two rays above the lowest left drapery fold of Liberty's dress, the other is below the eagle's breast on the reverse.
Breen stated that 18-20 survive, we feel its more like 50 to 75 today with the numbers reported by NGC and PCGS. Whatever the true number is, this is a very rare coin and one that is seldom offered in choice or gem grades. Another opportunity for the astute collector to purchase very near gem quality for a bargain price.
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