Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 51

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$20 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1643		1898 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Frosty and nice origianl toning. Scarce date. What just glancing at mintage figures might overlook is that this is a scarce date in choice condition. It seems many were used as backing for gold certificates in the nation's banks. And handling during annual audits, along with bulk transfers between bank branches, took their toll on the surfaces of most double eagles. Pop 155; 21 in MS64. (PCGS # 9033) . Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,910
Lot 1644		1898 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Lightly toned and frosty, with the P-mint $20s this year having a thicker, generally heavier mint frost than the S-mint pieces (PCGS # 9033) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1645		1898 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Frosty and well cared for, the choice fields and cheek much nicer than most (PCGS # 9033) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1646		1898-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. An intensely lustrous example with attractive rich golden toning on both sides. We expect bidders to take this one to the moon (PCGS # 9034) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 1647		1898-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Intensely lustrous and delicately toned. A few lower stars are weak, as is often the case with 1898-S. In an old green label holder (PCGS # 9034) . Estimated Value $950 - 975. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1648		1899 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. A brilliant frosty golden coin (PCGS # 9035) . Estimated Value $950 - 975. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 1649		1899 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. A nice frosty mint double eagle. 1899 was the last year of the 1896-99 Klondike Gold Rush. This gold rush, sometimes referred to as the Yukon Gold Rush or Alaska Gold Rush, involved a frenzy of gold rush immigration to and for gold prospecting, along the Klondike River near Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, after gold was discovered there in the late 19th century. In all, about 12.5 million ounces of gold has been taken from the Klondike area in the century since its discovery (PCGS # 9035) . Estimated Value $950 - 975. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,294
Lot 1650		1900 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61 PQ. Untoned and choice for the grade (PCGS # 9037) . Estimated Value $950 - 975. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,236
Lot 1651		1900 $20 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Plenty of mint luster for a full Mint State grade with some scattered coppery toning spots on both sides. Estimated Value $900 - 925. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,093
Lot 1652		1900-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. An intensely lustrous example, some scuffs on the portrait (PCGS # 9038) . Estimated Value $950 - 975. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,294
Lot 1653		1902 $20 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 65. A gem all brilliant Proof example and warm golden-orange in color. Only 114 proofs struck. The display of warm golden toning ingratiates itself over both sides. Exceedingly choice for the grade, 1902 also happens to be a rare date as a Proof with few of the pieces struck 106 years ago in this outstanding Gem condition. Of the original number perhaps 30 or 40 still remain locked away in collections, high grade examples being especially rare (just run your vision over the supplied population figures at the end of this text). We are under the certain presumption that 1902 deserves exclusive mention, due in part to the scarcity of existing business strike population figures, but chiefly from the paucity of certified samples from the main the grading services. This is an attractive piece that shows some light field-to-device contrast but not enough to give it a cameo dimension. The deep, watery mirrored fields display a plethora of visible mint sparkle and dancing light when the coin is tilted at various angles, a common occurrence for the few remaining high grade Liberty double eagles. All things considered, a very attractive example of a very elusive year. Pop 2; 1 finer in PF-66 at NGC. PCGS has graded 1 example at this level (PCGS # 9118) . How to explain the so-called "orange peel" surface on America's Proof gold coins? After the dies are hubbed and the date is applied, the die is given multiple polishes with progressively finer and finer polish. The last polish given to the dies prior to being hardened gives the field a surface quite like a mirror. This is the deepest mirror attainable on the dies. When the die is hardened, the metal shrinks slightly creating a wavy effect on the polished surfaces. It looks somewhat like the surface of an orange. When you see orange peel on a Proof issue like this 1902 $20 you can be sure that it is one of the first examples struck from those dies. Later polishing to the already hardened dies will produce a flatter and shallower mirror. Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1654		1902 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Nice golden toning. Flattering satiny frost that pulses with vivid color. Extra crisp detail on all relief portions. Only 31,140 struck. Pop 145; 59 in 63; 8 in 64. (PCGS # 9041) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 1655		1902-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Fully lustrous with sharp hair definition and a bold reverse (PCGS # 9042) . Estimated Value $925 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 1656		1904 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 62. Lovely golden colors. A pleasing example with light toning haze and with minimal hairlines, the surface suffered no severe contact marks. Fully struck in all areas with pinpoint detailing on the hair waves, coronet pearls and elsewhere. We are pleased to see some warm amber to natural golden patination in all areas. Since gold itself is tarnish-Proof, the slight mellowing in the color is probably due to the 10% copper hardening alloy mixed found in U.S. gold coins of this period. A thumping bold and original specimen with good eye-appeal for the modest grade, and only slightly affected by the aforesaid hairlines. Beyond that, the 1904 is remarkable as the most plentiful date in non-Proof quality; but with the Proofs just as rare as any other in the early 1900s, this put additional market pressure and numismatic interest on Proofs when they are occasionally offered. The present piece has much to recommend it and no doubt will be a highlight in any rare gold collection. Only 98 Proofs struck. Pop 6; 19 in 63; 13 om 64; 3 in 65. (PCGS # 9120) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $14,950
Lot 1657		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63 Prooflike. Untoned. Choice with smooth metallic patina over each side. An eye-appealing, radiant prooflike specimen. Typical careful strike for a 1904 P-mint issue. Pop 17; 3 in 64PL. Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 1658		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Very fresh cheek on Liberty; shimmering golden luster (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,898
Lot 1659		1904 $20 Liberty. AU-58. We note some discoloration on the reverse but otherwise bright golden color. Estimated Value $900 - 925. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,093
Lot 1660		1904-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. An attractive untoned example, the '04-S is a way to own an affordable twenty-dollar gold piece struck at the San Francisco Mint (PCGS # 9046) . Estimated Value $950 - 975. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 1661		1906 $20 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. A glittering brilliant gem example with surfaces which are nearly flawless! Only 94 Proofs struck. One of the most attractive and memorable Proofs of this year with sleek mirror surfaces, deep and watery offset by lovely cameo frost. The light veil of patina over each side lends a further note of beauty. The strike is razor-sharp, including the hair waves above and below Liberty's ear plus the key central reverse design which sometimes comes off marginally incomplete on the Proofs issued in 1900-07. Superlative throughout as achieved from attaining the highest possible attraction for its grade. With low mintage that rarely exceeds 100 pieces, Proof Type 3 Liberty double eagles enjoy the maximum value and desirability. There are only a handful of "cameo" Proof 1906 twenties recorded by the grading services. (On most examples, the 1906 issue had strong details before polishing removed the bridge of Liberty's nose, a common occurrence seen on the last Proofs to be struck, not only in the double eagles but other gold denominations as well.) Pop 6; 6 in 66 CAM, 1 in 67 CAM (PCGS # 89122) . This lovely Proof $20 was struck at the third Philadelphia Mint, built on Spring Garden St. and opened in 1901. A massive structure nearly a full city block, it was an instant landmark. Characterized by a Roman temple facade, visitors were to marvel at seven themed glass mosaics designed by Louis C. Tiffany in a gold backed vaulted ceiling. The mosaics depicted ancient Roman coin making methods. This ex mint still stands intact with much of the interior as well, serving as the home of the Community College of Philadelphia. (The fourth and current Philadelphia Mint opened its doors in 1969.). Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1662		1906-D $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Nice golden toning. Uncommonly smooth for this affordable D-mint issue, the first year of the Denver Mint. This frosty textured example displays splendid color and choice surfaces. Desirable with this bold strike, as well (PCGS # 9050) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,220
Lot 1663		1907 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo PQ. The Liberty $20s from 1900 through 1907 saw the largest production of Proof gold coins of this denomination up to this point. Agreed, the word "large" is a relative term. This is especially the case when referring to Proof double eagles. Production in 1907, for instance, amounted to 78 Proofs. Some might even say the 1907 issue, last year of its design, might be a "sleeper" meaning it was undervalued in relation to other dates at the turn of the 20th century. This lovely Proof has vibrant yellow-gold hues with warmly reflective, mirrored surface on both sides. The lightly contrasting devices give it the desired cameo appearance. No copper stains or marks mar the delicate features. While just shy of "Gem", and with a few faint hairlines, this is an exceptionally attractive Choice Proof 64 example. Just added to the PCGS population. Pop 9; 3 finer; 2 in 65; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 89123) . Estimated Value $33,000 - 36,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $41,400
Lot 1664		1907 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63 PQ. Delicate rose-gold toning and a Premium Quality coin for the grade. The satin-like gleam of originality is safe and sound from most abrasions of measurable size. A very attractive specimen (PCGS # 9052) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 1665		1907-D $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Nice and frosty with delicate toning. The second year of coinage at the newly opened Denver Mint (PCGS # 9053) . Estimated Value $950 - 975. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 1666		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded Proof 67. Star. A superb flawless pale golden gem with satiny smooth surfaces which are slightly reflective. Charles Barber was the Mint Engraver when the U.S. government, at the behest of Theodore Roosevelt, contracted with Augustus Saint-Gaudens to prepare designs for the proposed new $20 gold coin. It was Barber who supervised Proof MCMVII High Relief double eagle production. Some Proofs were later sold out of Barber's estate. The Mint undoubtedly struck other pieces for presentation purposes, probably at several different times throughout the final two months of 1907. (Saint-Gaudens had died in August 1907.) According to sources, unlike the circulation strike High Relief double eagles minted with the Roman Numerals date, which received three impressions from the dies (some say up to five), apparently the Proofs were struck seven times by dies inserted into the Mint's hydraulic medal press in order to bring the features up to full detail. Many of the diagnostics of this beautiful issue in Proof are never found on the pieces meant for circulation. The present Proof reveals random die polish lines (as prepared) in the fields. The grade confirms it as one of the finest Proof High Relief double eagles certified, and it is solidly within the top examples known for the issue. Both sides exhibit gorgeous surfaces and color, bold devices, no marks of any kind, and aesthetic appeal that leaves all others back in the dust. Both the obverse and the reverse are silent on the subject of bothersome spots or discolored toning, a fact that one expects for the grade. Every element, every intricate feature of the design, is crisply made, and the overall strike is for all intents and purposes full. This is truly a superb representative of Saint-Gaudens' High Relief $20 in Proof condition and is identified by the NGC serial number on the holder: 191009-001. Pop 4; 4 finer. Historic note: In the summer of 1907, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who had been in failing health for some time, took a turn for the worse, and in August he died. Ironically, he never lived to see examples of his own double eagle design. After President Roosevelt had been appeased by the striking of 11,250 High Relief coins and an unknown number of Proofs of the same Type, the Mint obtained permission to revise its design, wherein the relief was lowered drastically, the Roman numerals purged from the obverse, and more familiar numeral punches used in their place. This was amenable to high-speed production and from then to the end of the series in 1933 Double Eagles were so made. Today, the MCMVII issues of 1907 are highly cherished by collectors and are among the favorites in all American numismatics. Proofs are the crème de la crème of the year. It came as no surprise, then when the Treasury Department proposed issuing new gold bullion coins in 1986, no finer design could be devised than to recreate Augustus Saint-Gaudens' 80-year-old masterpiece. The mint even incorporated the Roman numerals. Estimated Value $130,000 - 140,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1667		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded MS-67. Star. A stunning superb gem example exhibiting beaming golden yellow surfaces deepening at the extreme borders. A spectacular star-rated gem whose razor-sharp devices rise like a phoenix bird from the pure-as-gold satiny surface. The fields and devices glow with an almost surreal golden radiance due to the pristine nature of the surface; there are neither handling marks nor spotting of any kind to impair coin's originality. If you as an advanced or specialist collector have been hankering for a first class example of America's most beautiful gold coin, one whose immense presence and technical excellence would be almost impossible to improve on, you will want to ready a bid for this Mint State 67 High Relief. Superb! As was true of the 1907 Indian designs for the $10 gold Eagle, the present Saint-Gaudens-inspired masterpiece was the end product of President Theodore Roosevelt's orchestration with the most famous American sculptor at the time. As originally envisioned, the mint would redo the entire spectrum of American coinage from the lowly bronze one-cent piece through the noble golden double eagle. In correspondence, Saint-Gaudens felt the 1857 Flying Eagle cent was the finest motif found on any American coin, which is probably the reason he chose a similar eagle for his High Relief $20 gold reverse. Pop 1; 2 finer. Estimated Value $120,000 - 130,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1668		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded Proof 65. A magnificent untoned gem exhibiting a mixture of satiny and frosty mint luster. One of the most magnificent coins ever struck, this regal gem boasts creamy rich gold luster throughout and near-perfection surfaces. The strike is razor-sharp on all motifs. These were coined on the largest press then available, the Mint's medal press using hydraulic pistons to drive the dies, with maximum pressure to bring up the "high" relief cut deeply into the hardened die steel. Not just one strike, but many were essential to fully complete the minute details on Liberty's head, hand and the tops of the eagle's wing features. As seen here, the coin's devices jump right off the surfaces, or so it seems. Examining the towering rendition of Lady Liberty is like observing Switzerland's Matterhorn when compared to normally struck, post high-relief coins of this denomination. Collectors needn't be reminded that the High Reliefs were basically experimental pieces, and required surmounting several challenges to remain true to Saint-Gaudens stylistic design. Success was complete, as viewed here, but at a price. Only a few Proofs were made before the high relief devices were greatly reduced to a more high-speed-production friendly lower relief coin. While we haven't seen all of the other Proof 65s graded by NGC in this illustrious condition, we may assume that they are equally magnificent specimens. Certain to be the centerpiece of any collection and worthy of a strong bid. Pop 69; 56 finer. Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1669		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-65. A splendid gem example exhibiting delicate golden toning throughout. In a typical sale, we usually offer several High Relief double eagles. However, it is always a great pleasure to be given the opportunity to catalog a fresh-looking Wire Rim example that grades as fine and as strictly on-target as this mesmerizing '65 Gem. This truly is an attractive coin. The sleek surfaces are undisturbed and satin-like, without even the tiniest alloy spot, and we are also free to say we cannot see a single abusive surface mark. Both sides are layered in fresh golden color that serves to highlight the already impressive high-rise devices. In sum, a coin that would enfold itself around the virtuous collector who demands everything the finest for his collection of U.S. gold coins. Pop 283; 83 finer (PCGS # 9135) . Note: The wire rims, sometimes called "knife rims" or, in Mint parlance, "fins," are common elsewhere, such as in 19th century Proof coinage. Estimated Value $40,000 - 43,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1670		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded AU-50. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Plenty of remaining luster on satiny champagne gold surfaces. A few light hairlines are found in the fields, but overly quite choice and free of marks for this distinctive one-year Type. The smooth contours of Liberty's graceful form give every benefit to the grade and to the aesthetic sense of the viewer where such fine qualities are hard to come by. Pop 63 (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $9,500 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1671		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 1672		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. NGC graded MS-67. An absolutely superb gem specimen with immaculate satiny mint surfaces throughout.The Flat Rim variety High Relief is harder to find than the Wire Rim. An issue that needs little introduction among numismatists, this coin is at the upper end of the Superb Gem grade level. The luster flows smoothly, evenly over both sides like molten lava flowing across Hawaii's Kilauea crater pool, and so too does the gorgeous, original, yellow-gold color flow evenly. The outward appearance brightens the entire coin as the viewer tilts the coin into a light. The strike is razor-sharp for a high relief coin that was given five blows from the dies. The surfaces are undeniably smooth with no outwardly noticeable handling marks, no copper spotting, and certainly nothing that would seem to preclude an even finer grade assessment. This is one of the most beautiful High Relief Twenties that this firm has ever sold, and it is destined to find a place of honor in an advanced U.S. gold collection. This exquisite gem should stir plenty of bidder excitment. Pop 13; 3 in 68. Estimated Value $120,000 - 130,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1673		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. NGC graded MS-66. Well struck and untoned. In a new 4 prog NGC holder. An elegantly beautiful example of this award-winning MCMVII coin, a satiny gem with healthy glowing yellow surfaces plus a nuance of shimmering iridescence. Crisply detailed and attractive, a coin that shows the designer's mastery of design in its finest light. The high-relief format was a difficult one to work with, but Saint-Gaudens met the challenge. Best of all, the new PCGS holder allows for complete examination of the edge of the coin as well as the main features on the obverse and reverse. The Saint-Gaudens $20s are the first lettered edge coins issued by the United States (there had been some Pattern trials of a silver dollar made back in 1885 but nothing came of the experiment). On the edge in raised letters is E PLURIBUS UNUM with stars separating the words. The High Relief Roman Numerals pieces have been treasured for decades by numismatists and art connoisseurs for their imaginative theme as well as the prestige that owing one confers. Fortunately, enough first-rate Gems were saved to afford today's well-established buyers a constant stream of coins in this grade. When a gorgeous gem such as the present example gets the call from the auctioneer, the level of excitement in the room begins to rise, since many bidders desire the finest pieces for their collections. The present example is among the most beautiful, satiny MS66 examples seen by NGC or we miss our guess. Need we say more? Pop 55; 16 finer; 11 in 67; 2 in 67 Star; 2 in 68; 1 in 68 Star. Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1674		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. PCGS graded MS-65. A gorgeous gem example exhibiting delicate golden-orange luster on both sides. The flat rim variety is rarer than the wire edge, although many would-be bidders simply wish to own a representative sample of America's most beautiful gold coin. And an outstanding Gem example it is! 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 the ever-desirable strong satin luster and fine swirling texture, which is 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 Roman numerals, MCMVII (The designer of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition $50 pieces imitated this device when dating his models.) Pop 90; 45 finer (PCGS # 9136) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 43,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1675		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 1676		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. Flat relief. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely golden toning. Gold-gold satin frost is boldly hypnotic on this fresh-appearing Gem of the modified (low relief) No Motto style introduced this year. Since our observation is that this date is rarely fully struck, then this above-average coin has every suggestion of precision manufacture as seen in main devices (PCGS # 9141) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 1677		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. Flat relief. PCGS graded MS-64. Frosty with a hint of light gold tone. This example has shimmering smooth-golden surfaces and no interference from copper stains. What's more, it is just as fully struck as an even higher grade specimen might be, and surely as attractive, which is all anyone could ask for given the sharp detail at the main high points (PCGS # 9141) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 1678		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-66. A gemmy example, untoned and frosty. The surfaces are bright with sunlight-fresh golden luster and show none of the muting often seen on No Motto issues. Such, then, for luster. Turning to the other key factor, a coin that is desirable with this meticulous strike on Liberty's face, gown, and foot. The sharp device carries on over to the reverse where the eagle displays sharp breast feathers and fully detailed flight feathers trailing back from the wings. Many consider the twenty-dollar gold pieces designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens to be the most beautiful U.S. coin (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,760
Lot 1679		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-66. Lovely light golden toning on both sides. Strong metal flow augments the already gemmy 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. A rounded impression is the rule for some 1908 No Motto twenties imprinted by the stamp of the Philadelphia Mint that struck this issue; we are happy to say that the present example is a grand exception to that rule in being very sharp throughout including centers (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 1680		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-65. A bright golden-orange gem quality Double Eagle. In an old green label holder. President Theodore Roosevelt, the key man motivating the issuance of these $20 gold coins, objected to the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, since he felt the phrase had no place on our coinage. Roosevelt's objections were heeded by the Mint. The No Motto design is Charles Barber's modification of the original Saint-Gaudens high-relief design, prepared in lower relief for ease of minting and use in commerce (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,013
Lot 1681		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-65. A gem quality example in an old green label holder. The double eagles from 1907 through 1911 have 46 stars on the obverse, and from 1912 through 1933, 48 stars (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,783
Lot 1682		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-65. Quite frosty and delicately toned. An attractive gem of the finest order for its grade. Broadly sweeping satin rather than cartwheel lustre glows brightly on the matte-like surfaces; at first glance, a higher-grade Mint State comes to mind (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,783
Lot 1683		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64. Beautiful golden tones surround the borders (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 1684		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-63. Warm golden sunset toning graces the surfaces on both sides. Well struck (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 1685		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-63. Lightly toned. Effusive mint frost on both sides and warm flaxen-gold to reddish-gold color (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1686		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. EF-40. Lustrous. Estimated Value $850 - 875. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,064
Lot 1687		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. NGC graded Proof 66. An exquisite light tan color gem proof with absolutly immaculate matte surfaces throughout. Only 101 struck in Proof. Those who have yet to make an acquaintance with a Matte Proof double eagle should know that this is truly an impressive example of the Type. As referred to below in our background narrative, 1908 is the first year made available to collectors with the matte finish in this large $20 format. There are no surface flaws we can detect and only faint hairline or two in the fields: everywhere else the surface is pristine, indeed virtually "as made" and therefore superb. Thus, the Proof 66 grade of this coin which stands head and shoulders above the few others seen. The mint struck a fair number of Proofs of this high denomination gold coin in 1908 in anticipation of increased sales due to the new designs. All were issued with the IN GOD WE TRUST motto, a result of Congressional response to criticism of the action taken by President Roosevelt who eliminated the motto from the newly designed Saint-Gaudens gold pieces in 1907. Roosevelt was a devoutly religious man. He objected to seeing the name of the deity on coinage, and had the courage to impose his convictions on the mint (and thereby on the American public). In 1908, there were two sandblast or matte finishes used, a lighter one of which only 3 are known and the darker finish of the type offered here. This piece very closely resembles the lower denomination Proofs of 1908 which have a coarse-grain finish. Even though the surfaces are deeper in hue than seen on later issues, there is a considerable sparkle of the sandblast finish that is visible when viewed with a loupe. The 1908 Proof is the first year of the 1908-15 Proof twenties. And though it is true that it is the date most frequently offered among the eight issues in this very rare series, an early writer suggested that an unknown number of Proofs were melted in the mint as unsold on January 2, 1909. Published estimates of the number actually in existence today range from as few as 15 to 25 (Bowers) to as many as 30 to 35 (Akers). We believe the number may have to be expanded to include between 45 and 60 pieces in all grades known today. NGC alone has graded 69 pieces, according to its latest web site enumeration. We can assume many of these are either resubmissions or so-called cross-overs with more than a little duplication in the active number graded. Pop 27; 10 in 67, 2 in 68 (PCGS # 9204) . Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1688		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. NGC graded MS-64. Nicely toned. From one end to the other the soft, satiny gold luster spreads with almost lifelike uniformity (PCGS # 9147) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,565
Lot 1689		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. NGC graded MS-61. Lightly toned (PCGS # 9147) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 1690		1909 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-61. Toned, a slightly better date (PCGS # 9150) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 1691		1909-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Delicately toned. This example, illustrative of the gem quality only now and then seen in its top grade class, has iridescent gold surfaces and delicate patina over both sides. Another thing, this piece displays a precision strike on the legends and main device, consistently found on the best struck S-mint dates, which collectors will want to pay a mind to since not even a trace of soft detail is seen on either side. Pop 1; the finest graded at PCGS for the variety (PCGS # 145741) . Curiously, there is also known an S over S 1909-S Lincoln cent variety, no doubt a coincidence in the making of so many dies each year for what is, after all, a large scale coin-manufacturing factory known as a mint. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,910
Lot 1692		1909-S $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-64. Lightly toned. This piece displays attractive fresh golden color over the nearly abrasion-free surfaces. There are a couple of slight contacts on the top flight feather of the eagle, pretty much that is all (PCGS # 9153) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,898

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