Lot 1895
1909, 9 over 8. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty coin with lovely golden toning. It is easy to side with acknowledged experts in stressing the importance of the present lot for advanced gold specialists. The 1909/8 has long benefited for its place of honor in U.S. numismatics. It is the sole overdate in the popular and broadly collected Saint-Gaudens double eagle series. That being the case, the majority went into circulation and wore to one degree or another. Many Uncirculated survivors in today's market are rather raggedly looking with extensive bagmarks or other small blemishes. Gems are of the greatest rarity, and there are very few examples certified MS65 (see below).
This issue has a distinctive appearance for a Philadelphia double eagle struck in 1909. The obverse die came from the 1908 No Motto production, which has a distinctive look to it. The design elements on the obverse side of the coin are not as deeply impressed as those on the 1909 normal date examples. This gorgeous Gem shows ample evidence of having been given a powerful blow from the coining dies. Both sides are nice and lustrous, both show rich, frosty texture that accents the original and variegated pinkish-gold color to perfection. We would be surprised to find more than a few light bagmarks on both the obverse and the reverse, but, if we had to select an identifier, we would use the tiny mark on the fold of the lower portion of Liberty's gown where it crosses her midriff. Also, there is a small orange spot of toning at the tip of the eagle’s tail. Both can serve as provenance markers. A coin that is fully deserving of a premium bid. Pop 17; 4 finer in 66 (PCGS # 9151) .
Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000.
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| Realized $32,775 |
