Lot 1382
1907. High Relief, Roman Numerals, Flat Rim. PCGS graded MS-65. A magnificent example. Well struck and eye-catching. Bright, lustrous, and of gem quality in all regards, this lovely MCMVII (1907) High Relief twenty will attract anyone to the beauty of its motif. Over the years various surveys have confirmed this as one of the favorite designs from a numismatic viewpoint.
Much could be said about the Saint-Gaudens $20 coinage, and in past catalogs we have done so. Around the year 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt, in taking note of the artistry of ancient Greek coins, decided to make changes to the nation's coins. He contacted Augustus Saint-Gaudens, an American sculptor whose home and studio were in Cornish, New Hampshire. Without the intersession of the Treasury Department or the Mint, traditional places where new designs originated, Roosevelt arranged with the artist to redesign all of America's coins from the double eagle down to the lowly cent. Saint-Gaudens was given a free hand to develop his ideas anyway he thought.
For the obverse design of the $20 piece, Saint-Gaudens selected a standing figure known as Fame. It was originally used as part of the Sherman Victory monument erected at the Grand Army Plaza in Central Park, New York City. Some modifications were made, but the goddess remains pretty much the same as the artist envisioned it. In the background is a depiction of the United States Capitol building along with the rays of the sun. Pop 92; 45 finer; 38 in 66; 6 in 67; 1 in 68. (PCGS # 9136) .
Estimated Value $37,000 - 40,000.
The Mark Gordon Collection.
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| Realized $42,550 |
