Lot 3508
1911 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded Proof 64. A stunning well struck example and very choice.A golden-olive beauty that is needle sharp. High on the list of desirable gold rarities is this lovely, carefully preserved Proof 64, a very choice coin we are pleased to offer for sale. Why collectors of the day shunned these coins is hard to say, but it must have been the shock of seeing the novel matte-proofing surface. For even back then, Proof double eagles were considered to be the premiere gold coins of American numismatics. It has been said the mint struck these on speculation in small numbers each year. Often, unsold pieces were left behind (and later melted) at the end of the calendar year.
Due to the innovative Saint-Gaudens design, Mint technicians were unable to produce mirror Proofs similar to the Liberty head $20s, due to the uneven "basining" required when preparing Saint-Gaudens dies. Instead, a matte-surface finish was chosen to offer to collectors. Continual resubmitting to the grading services gives a false population, particularly the Proof 63 to 65 grades.
With the 1911 issue, the mint used a heavy sandblast finish similar to the one used in 1908. This piece, like others of its kind, shows myriad beautiful tiny sparkles under a magnifying glass, with the color centering on olive to perhaps slightly brownish golden color as described earlier -- and quite alluring. Very expensive to find in Gem quality! The surfaces are nearly pristine. The strike, flawless in its execution, with every device showing the finest detail. This is a genuine crowd-pleaser for sale to serious collectors not just the nobility, a coin that appears free of spotting and without blemish. We can imagine the wide-eyed delight of the new owner's face as he studies its marvelous surfaces and detail.
Only 100 proofs struck. Pop 8; 12 finer (PCGS # 9208) .
Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,000.
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| Realized $27,600 |
