Lot 1821
1908 $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. PCGS graded Proof 64. A choice sandblast Proof lightly toned. Mint records list 101 Proofs struck of this early Saint-Gaudens coin in 1908. These have IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse after Congress directed the Mint to reinstate the motto on the $20 gold coins after removing it in 1907. This handsome Proof with the darker sandblast finish very closely resembles the other Proof denominations this year with their almost diamond-faceted smooth-grain finish. As expected on a Proof 64 example, there is considerable sparkle in the sandblast texture, sparkle that is enjoyable to study when intimately examined using a magnifying glass.
Some might offer the opinion that, with its largish mintage, the 1908 Proof twenty is a readily available coin. The truth is this date is the most frequently seen among the eight dates in this series. However, after years of attrition, perhaps as few as 60 remain in all grades, and that is surely a small number.
The coin offered in the current lot impresses us with its splendid, smooth finish, so desirable in large format gold coin. We see no nicks, cuts, copper-spots, nor are there any abrasions such as grazes in the finish that could be used to denigrate the coin. None whatsoever. The coin is beautiful. The coin is essentially "as struck," razor-sharp and breath-taking in its appearance, thereby placing it at the summit for this grade designation. Pop 15; 8 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 9205) .
Estimated Value $34,000 - 38,000.
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