Lot 2294
1908. No Motto Wells Fargo. PCGS graded MS-69. Lovely original orange toning. Tied for the Finest Known. This is one of 10 pieces certified MS69 by PCGS, and is clearly among the finest double eagles ever seen at the time when the grading service examined it. It is truly a wonderful coin, and at the MS69 level one of the finest Saint-Gaudens $20 gold pieces certified of any date. That said, it is also a two-year Type due to lacking the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The surfaces expected to be pristine and yes, they are, nearly flawless. The overall texture has a fine velvety look that this date is known for, with a thick cover of mint frost. Sharply, and definitely well struck up, the mint frost is thickest around the outer margin of the obverse, while the reverse has thick, coruscating luster throughout. Orange-gold color predominates with very little variation in hue on either side. Simply terrific quality! A coin destined for a type set of Saint-Gaudens twenties. Pop 10; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 99142) .
Regarding the Wells Fargo Hoard of 1908s: Of all the different hoards bought in Europe, Asia, America, and elsewhere, this group of 1908 twenties is perhaps the most interesting and it certainly ranks among the highest quality group ever sold. Approximately 19,000 coins were in the hoard, all of them the same No Motto issue of 1908. Many earned a Mint State 66, 67 or higher level grade, with over 200 pieces in MS68 according to the distributor of the hoard. The group had been in storage since 1917 (the dates printed on the original bank bags in which they were stored)! Because they were uncleaned and fresh, they are today popular extras when collecting the double eagle series of gold coins. The name "Wells Fargo" on the holders, for those who want to know, is merely a marketing play. They were stored for a time in a Wells Fargo Bank in Nevada, that is all.
Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000.
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| Realized $66,125 |
