Lot 2537
1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. PCGS graded MS-66. By far one of the most popular designs in the history of U.S. Numismatics. An attractive choice gem with booming lustrous surfaces. Lovely golden hues further emphasize the artistic beauty of this Saint Gaudens High Relief example.
The Roman Numerals pieces have been treasured for decades by collectors for their artistic theme as well as the prestige that owing one offers. Fortunately, enough were saved to afford today's well-placed buyers a steady flow of specimens of the date in Gem grades (although others range from the occasional Very Fine and Extremely Fine coin upward into average Mint State grades). When a gorgeous gem such as the present specimen go under the auctioneer's hammer, the level of participation tends to increase, since many desire the finest examples for their collections. The present gem is among the most beautiful MS66 examples seen by PCGS or we miss our guess. Need we say more? Pop 39; 7 finer, 6 in 67, 1 in 68 (PCGS # 9136) .
Historic note: In the summer of 1907, 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 in full production. After President Theodore Roosevelt had been appeased by the striking of 11,250 High Relief coins, which were a lot of trouble to produce, the Mint obtained permission to revise its design. All later 1907-dated coins have the relief lowered, the Roman numerals replaced with Arabic dates, and more the more familiar if less spectacular "look" of a 1907-33 coin. This was done to enable to high-speed production, and from then to the end of the series in 1933 double eagles were so made.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000.
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| Realized $60,375 |
