Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 44

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$20 Gold St. Gaudens

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2620		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded MS-65. Well struck with lovely golden toning. It has been said the medallic double eagles of 1907 with ultra high relief required up to nine cycles of the coining press at an extremely high pressure for each coin. The obligation to use so many cycles was a deterrent to production, so new hubs and dies were readied with lesser depth. These coins with a "high" relief, of which this is a resplendent example, were done after just five cycles of the coining press, still a time-consuming method for coinage meant to circulate. Coins with wire rim have a sharp border around the perimeter. An very bright and lustrous gem that you can use as a yardstick for other Mint State 65 examples that share this towering design. The strike is forthright as it is crisp, which is only reasonable to expect given the concentrated effort it took when striking them; without question, all features on Liberty and the eagle are razor-sharp! Pop 59; 47 finer; 39 in 66; 5 in 67; 1 in 67 Star; 1 in 68; 1 in 68 Star. Historic note: This so-called wire edge of metal is called a "fin" by mint personnel. It is caused by a tiny bit of gold that squeezed between the die and segmented collar from repeated blows of the 150-ton medal press employed to strike the high relief $20 gold coins. The milling procedure and planchet size for the double eagle blanks were slightly modified to correct this small flaw about December 16, 1907, according to numismatic researcher Roger W. Burdette. Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2621		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck and Frosty. Popular type coin. choice for the grade. A satiny beauty that approaches an even higher quality in all regards, especially to the unaided eye. Frosty yellow gold with a nod towards an olive cast. Wire rim details, caused by striking rather than design, around much of the rim. A very choice example of what some numismatists call Teddy Roosevelt's "pet" project, this beautiful medallic high relief specimen would do any double eagle collector proud (PCGS # 9135) . Historic setting: In 1907, Hotel Astor coffee was thirty-five cents a pound, eggs were twenty-five cents a dozen, California ham eleven cents a pound. With this single $20 gold piece, you could have served a sumptuous breakfast to the entire Chicago Cubs baseball team (the winner of the 1907 World Series) and had enough to supply the losing Detroit Tigers team members from the leftovers! Estimated Value $18,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $20,700
Lot 2622		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. NGC graded MS-65. Well struck and mostly untoned. The flat rim variety is rarer than the wire edge. A simply outstanding example, this has a flat rim around the wide flat border (no wire edge evident). Mintage of the High Relief coins totaled 11,250 struck in November and December, 1907. Wire-edge examples, which are more plentiful than those with flat rim, have an approximate three to one ratio. It is understood 4,000 were struck with flat (not wire) rim. This was publicized in 1908, soon after delivery of the High Reliefs to the Treasury, and for a long time thereafter many listings included these as separate varieties. Warm golden surfaces exhibit strong satin luster and fine swirling texture and the kind of quality that really engages the aesthetic sense with its beauty. The date, for the first time on an American coin, is in distinctive Roman numerals, MCMVII. (The designer of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition $50 pieces copied this device when dating his models.) Pop 59; 65 finer; 51 in 66; 9 in 67; 2 in 67 Star; 2 in 68; 1 in 68 Star. Estimated Value $42,000 - 48,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2623		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. Flat relief. PCGS graded MS-63. Frosty and untoned with the golden color tinted a light pink from the 10% copper alloy. There is no motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the 1907 issue of double eagles (PCGS # 9141) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 2624		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded Proof 65. Well struck and a very nice Matte Proof Double Eagle. Only 101 proofs struck. Technically, this is a sandblast piece, but a Gem Proof nevertheless, with strong fundamental supporting surfaces free of marks, devoid of spots, tops in its class, and for that matter, mesmerizing to gaze upon. Nicely struck, though not that it matters our saying so since all 1908 Proofs were made with care. They were struck at the Philadelphia Mint on the mint's hydraulic medal press to insure even flow into the die recesses, and a bold relief. America's sandblast Proofs (often referred to as "Matte" finish in numismatic circles) resulted from some experimentation in 1907 at the mint after it was discovered the earlier mirror-finish with frosted relief quality was impossible to achieve on Saint-Gaudens' new design. Owing to the peculiarity of the design of the Saint-Gaudens coins, the entire planchet is struck in such a way that the whole surface of the coin loses the brilliant, polished finish so much valued by collectors. The net result was that the coins left the dies with a bright or satiny appearance. The officials at the Mint decided that since they could not make brilliant Proofs, and wanted something distinctive for collectors, they would sandblast the finished coins in 1908 (and a few 1907 samples). One reason the sandblast surface was considered too radical is that it would prevent the Mint from putting any rejects into circulation. The few remaining sandblast or Matte Proofs of 1908 are the crème de la crème of numismatics today, with this resplendent Proof 65 example a sterling (or perhaps that should be "golden") jewel for some collector. Pop 14; 37 finer; 26 in 66; 9 in 67; 2 in 68. (PCGS # 9204) . Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $59,800
Lot 2625		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-67. Lovely golden toning on both sides. A golden bright, mint-fresh example, as crisp and glossy as when it was first released from to the Treasury for distribution. Like many No Motto 1908 specimens, it never reached the channels of commerce but was instead stored in original bags until the present. Pop 226; 22 finer; 9 in 67 Star; 13 in 68. (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 2626		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Lovely intense bright golden toning displayed on this Premium Quality coin (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,500
Lot 2627		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64. A nice frosty coin to represent the Godless type struck in 1907-08 only (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 2628		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned. A two-year type without IN GOD WE TRUST (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,294
Lot 2629		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-63. Untoned. Some scuffs on the devices and in the field restrict the grade somewhat (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 2630		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-63. Nice golden toning. A choice appearing coin from all angles (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,121
Lot 2631		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-63. Toned. Gold double eagles, which are 90% gold and 10% copper alloy for strengthening, tend to be a light reddish color when in their original, undipped condition like the coin offered here (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,121
Lot 2632		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-63. Mostly untoned (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 2633		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-63. Old holder. Frosty. One hundred years ago this coin was minted. Back then it was 20 dollars. Today, the gold content is on the order of 800 dollars, after a century of, ahem, careful management by the central bank which has the monopoly on currency issuance! (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 2634		1908-D $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. NGC graded MS-64. Old holder. Untoned. Following some discussion over removal of IN GOD WE TRUST on the earliest Saint-Gaudens issues, the Mint was instructed to restore the motto, which is placed on this 1908-D With Motto above the sun on the reverse. A scarce grade for this more elusive date. Pop 535; 84 finer; 78 in 65; 4 in 66; 2 in 67. (PCGS # 9148) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 2635		1908-S $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. PCGS graded AU-58. Untoned with some light bag marks on both sides.Popular low mintage date. Only 22,000 minted of this key issue. Pop 73; 125 finer. (PCGS # 9149) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,325
Lot 2636		1910 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded Proof 63. Light golden toning. Has nice eye appeal. A first-rate satin-finish specimen with richly permeating luster that flows across the frosty pale golden surfaces. Ideally struck for the date, of course; indeed, about as excellent and sharp as this Proof is ever seen. The coin's designer would have been proud to see this one! After criticism arose following release of the 1908 sandblast Proof double eagles, the Mint altered its procedure. It dropped the sandblast style, and introduced the satin finish in 1909 and 1910. The satin surface (Charles E. Barber called it "bright") was produced by fresh dies used in the Mint's medal press. The surface is the result of buffing the hubs to remove cutting burs from the reducing lathe. The earlier (and later) sand-blast pieces were made by taking a satin Proof coin and lightly sandblasting it. The officials at the Philadelphia mint decided they could not make brilliant Proofs like those in the previous Liberty head series, and wanted something distinctive for collectors. After the sandblast in 1908 failed to satisfy persnickety collectors of the day, this satin finish was tried. Only 167 proofs. Pop 7; 26 finer; 13 in 64; 6 in 65; 5 in 66; 2 in 67. (PCGS # 9207) . Note: The satin finish pieces are sometimes referred to as "Roman Finish," possibly a reference to the luster effect seen on F.D.C. gold aureii of the Empire period in Rome. Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $32,200
Lot 2637		1910 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Lovely rich golden orange mint color. In an old green label holder and Premium Quality for the grade (PCGS # 9154) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,500
Lot 2638		1910-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. Wonderful orange and golden toning displayed on this Premium Quality coin. As much as we might like to devote a full paragraph to the color, we should also point out how well struck this double eagle is, with great eye appeal. One day this coin will be in a MS 67 holder. A perfect coin for a high grade Registry Set. Pop 92; 2 finer in 67 (PCGS # 9155) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,200
Lot 2639		1911 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded Proof 66. Untoned and boldly struck. Only 100 Proofs struck. In NGC holder 1727005-019. The situation facing collectors of sandblast or matte Proofs is the delicate nature of the surface finish. Proofs were struck from specially prepared dies which, once struck (on the mint's hydraulic medal press) possessed a bright sheen to them. The mint then blasted the surface with a stream of fine sand particles, thus giving its name to the finished product. The lack of any shiny spots in the overall matte finish indicates careful handling by prior owners, as this always enhances the eye appeal and technical desirability of such coins. A magnificently preserved Proof 66 with razor-sharp detail. Very few like it are available. All Proof 1911 double eagles seen to date are of the matte or sandblast type, nearest to 1908 and of nearly the same color. Of the 100 Proofs that were made, possibly fewer than the mintage survive. Pop 15; 15 finer; 11 in 67; 4 in 68. (PCGS # 9208) . Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $69,000
Lot 2640		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-65. Light even toning on both sides. A spot-free Gem for the grade with its rolling fields of satin gold luster (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 2641		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Untoned. An affordable Denver Mint issue that always pleases because of its satin, almost velvety luster over both sides (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,500
Lot 2642		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck and untoned. Very choice appearing. Housed in an old green holder (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 2643		1912 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded Proof 65. A beautiful matte Proof example for this date. Only 74 Proofs minted. Same fine sandblast finish as 1911. The obverse now with 48 stars instead of the former 46, recognizing the admission of New Mexico and Arizona as forty-seventh and forty-eighth states, January 6 and February 14, 1912. The two extra stars were added to the end of the curved row at lower right, about 5 o'clock, among oak leaves below date, but without other design modification. "Barber evidently did this by sinking a master die from a 1908-11 hub and punching in the stars by hand," according to researcher Walter Breen, "thereafter in turn raising working hubs from it and sinking working dies." The numerical grade confirms what is seen under magnification when viewing this coin: exquisite and refreshingly clean for the issue, with luster like millions of tiny diamonds sparkling in the fields over the sun-drenched golden devices. The fields have a natural patina to them, and the matte-like appearance adds much eye-appeal. It is interesting to see, as well, that it was struck from well-prepared dies that imported a sound and in point of fact, a bold design in the all areas. The sharp detail can be traced to possibly multiple strikings on a medal press prior to being bombarded with grains of sand to achieve the sandblast effect. The hydraulic medal press at the mint applied a more forceful and even "squeeze" to the planchet than did the regular electric-operated stamping presses used for circulation-quality coins. Pop 8; 42 finer; 29 in 66; 12 in 67; 1 in 68 Star. (PCGS # 9209) . Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $55,200
Lot 2644		1913 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. Old green holder. Lovely light golden toning over lustrous surfaces. Only 168,780 pieces issued (PCGS # 9161) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 2645		1913-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely light gold and rose toning. Clean as a whistle, as one would look forward to from the grade; however, what really makes this Saint break free from others is its lovely satin luster that rolls around each side. The devices were struck with good force and energy by the dies, imparting all design elements evenly and in sharp relief (PCGS # 9162) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,200. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2646		1913-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded AU-53. A hint of light gold toning. Low mintage issue (PCGS # 9163) . Estimated Value $750 - 775. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,440
Lot 2647		1914-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. Lovely golden toning. Well struck. The fields are nearly flawless. A brilliant coin with dazzling luster, virtually three-dimensional, almost jumping out at the viewer. Talk about a piece with a lot of life! Beyond that, the striking is needle sharp, everything comes together to yield an opportunity that should be quite challenging to replicate. Pop 51; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 9165) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,500
Lot 2648		1914-D $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-65. A brilliant untoned gem, a coin of supreme beauty. The 1914-D twenties are known for their vibrant luster and good looks, which is why collectors are drawn to them even though a relatively plentiful issue. Gems are very desirable (PCGS # 9165) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,070
Lot 2649		1927 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. A lovely coin and decidedly gem quality for the grade (PCGS # 9186) . Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,783
Lot 2650		1914-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Lightly toned atop snappy luster (PCGS # 9166) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2651		1915 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-61. Slightly better date. In an old green label holder (PCGS # 9167) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2652		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. Light golden toning. Well struck and choice, frosty throughout. A strikingly attractive Gem. The 1922 issue takes a big bump-up in value between MS65 and MS66 level due to the great disperity in the population figures: Pop 1,018; 7 finer in 66. (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 2653		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Mostly untoned and another glowing Gem of this otherwise plentiful date (in lower grades). Pop 1,018; 7 finer in 66. (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 2654		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Light golden toning. Strong metal flow augments the already showy mint luster that covers the surfaces, giving the coin a brand new, glowing appearance. The mint brilliance is only broken up by an rare overlay of pale patina. Pop 1,018; 7 finer in 66. (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 2655		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Light golden toning. A couple of small marks on Liberty (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,320
Lot 2656		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. A hint of light golden toning, this coin displays a galaxy of brilliance and glowing luster (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,260
Lot 2657		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck with lovely golden toning (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,260
Lot 2658		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Light golden toning (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,260
Lot 2659		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. Nearly a full ounce of gold. The United States recovered quickly from a post-World War I economic weakness, where, by 1922, the date on this coin, would begin what later historians would call The Roaring Twenties (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $800 - 825. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,006
Lot 2660		1922-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-61. Lightly toned. There are several bagmarks on Liberty including a diagonal mark through the base of the torch; but all this is within the parameters of the grade. The luster is fresh, glowing, and takes on a mildly greening tinge in areas, though primarily reddish gold. Popular S-mint issue from the 1920s (PCGS # 9174) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,243
Lot 2661		1922-S $20 St. Gaudens. AU-50. Some abrasions on the main devices. Lustrous (PCGS # 9174) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2662		1923-D $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-67. Untoned with a nice satin like finish. The fully brilliant example we now hand over bidders beats (from a technical angle) practically all of the other MS67 1923-D double eagles that have passed through the various grading services. This handsome coin is very sharp from top to bottom, center to periphery. Pop 32; 1 finer in 68. (PCGS # 9176) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,625
Lot 2663		1923-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Light hint of golden toning. Housed in a first generation holder (PCGS # 9176) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 2664		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-67. Lovely golden toning and a frosty coin. Now arrives the time when collectors, if they do not wish to be left behind in the race for high quality double eagles, must adapt themselves to modern conditions and submit a strong bid for this superb 1924 twenty! Pop 119; 2 finer; 1 in 67 Star; 1 in 68. (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,050
Lot 2665		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-65. Untoned. The surfaces glisten with late-afternoon sunlight bright golden color that will make your head spin (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 2666		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Frosty and untoned. Resplendent surfaces that are thoroughly frosted with keen-edged, glowing golden luster. A gem (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,680
Lot 2667		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Untoned. Gem quality surfaces. And so to the next qualification, the strike. Here we see quite good detail with not even minor weakness to the designs (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 2668		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Beautiful gold and orange toning. From one side to the other the luminous golden luster glows with firebolt intensity (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 2669		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Well struck and frosty. A nice flow of golden luster from center to periphery on this Gem MS65 Saint (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553

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