Lot 4850
1913 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded Proof 66. Housed in NGC holder 3108965-007. Well struck. Impressive golden toning on both sides. The Proofs of 1913 are very rare. For that matter, the Proofs of the other Saint-Gaudens dates from 1908 to 1915 are desirable museum pieces that attract bidders from near and wide. 1913 is perhaps a little rarer than the previous two years. The mintage cannot have escaped notice of prospective bidders since it was a mere 58 pieces! What this means is that these lovely jewels were rare the year of issue. Discussion often focuses on the survival rate. It could be that as few as 25 to 35 examples may exist today. The best estimates come from the grading census of the two main services, NGC and PCGS, with the proviso that the numbers are likely inflated from duplicate submittals. (See below.)
The matte, or more properly, sand-blast surface on this coin is virtually identical to that found the Proofs of 1911 and 1912. Depending on the length and force of the sand-blasting process used on each coin, however, in color may vary from coin to coin. This lovely Gem resembles a 1908 with its deep brownish-khaki patina. The warm color is really quite beautiful. Such a coin can easily serve to give prominence to and highlight any collection of rare United States gold coins. We see and find no flaws, no copper staining, nothing in other words to cause a bidder to pass this chance to bid. Owning such a specimen would put a feather in the cap of the collector who is successful in outbidding the competition. Pop 12; 12 finer, 10 in 67, 2 in 68 (PCGS # 9210) .
Estimated Value $65,000 - 75,000.
|
| |
| Realized $69,000 |
