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.
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| Realized $32,200 |
