Lot 4066
1909/8 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck with frosty surfaces. Very choice for the grade. Beams of frosted mint luster and rich brilliant yellow-gold hues. Close to fully struck, with merely a hint of softness at the central part of Liberty's body and knee, but with a much sharper impression on the body feathers of the eagle than usually seen. The majestic looking eagle on this design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens closely follows the one used on the flying eagle cents and, further back in time, the bald eagle of the famed Gobrecht dollars of 1836-39.
Male bald eagles generally measure 3 feet from head to tail, weigh 7 to 10 pounds, and have a wingspan of about 6 1/2 feet. Females are larger, some reaching 14 pounds and having a wingspan of up to 8 feet. This striking raptor has large, pale eyes; a powerful yellow beak; and great, black talons. The distinctive white head and tail feathers appear only after the bird is 4 to 5 years old. Pop 73; 1 in 65; 3 in 66. (PCGS # 9151) .
Estimated Value $11,000 - 13,000.
The Emile A. Tartakow Collection.
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| Realized $19,550 |
