1913 $20 MS62 PCGS号9161

David Akers (1975/88)

The 1913 is scarce, but hardly rare, in the low Mint State grades. In other words, a heavily bagmarked Mint State specimen is not very hard to find, but even at the MS-63 level the 1913 is decidedly rare. Above the choice level, however, the 1913 becomes one of the rarest issues of the series. One can find a gem 1931 or 1932, or even a 1927-S, 1930-S or 1931-D, more easily than one can find a gem 1913. Some prominent specialists in this field indicate that they have never seen a 1913 they would grade MS-65. I have seen several that I consider gems but it is possible that the few top quality specimens of this issue are downgraded by others due to their generally sub-standard overall appearance. As for finding something distinctly better than MS-65, forget it! I have never seen or even heard a rumor or "tall tale" about such a coin.

The 1913 is much less sharply struck than the 912 as a rule and many, if not most, have the "flat" look of the No Motto issues of 1907 and 1908. Lustre is also typically below average for the series, and the surfaces have a "soft" frosty texture, often with a noticeable granularity and metal flow. Color seems to be fairly uniform on this issue, a medium to rich greenish gold. Even in high grade, the 1913 certainly does not rank with the better looking issues of this type.