Lot 2627
1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. NGC graded MS-66. An issue that needs little introduction among coin collectors, this lovely MS66 is bumping up against the Superb Gem grade level. The luster flows smoothly over both sides, as does lively, original, olive-gold color. The outward appearance does brighten to yellow-gold shades as the interested viewer tips the coin into a light. And who could not take an interest in this piece since the devices are characteristically sharp for a high relief coin that was struck up to five blows from the dies. The surfaces are smooth with no noticeable handling marks or copper spots, and certainly nothing that would preclude an even finer grade assessment.
As we know, these were struck at the forbearance of an obviously distrustful Mint Engraver Charles E. Barber, who did his best to sabotage production of the high relief pieces designed by a Mint outsider, the American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Saint-Gaudens died shortly before coinage began in the autumn of 1907. A wire rim is seen on most examples today, this is caused by metal flowing out from the three piece edge collar and dies producing a thin raised "fin" around part of the obverse and reverse, at the extreme edge. The often preferred and scarcer version with the flat rim, is offered here. This is one of the most attractive MCMVII twenties that this auctioneer has offered. It seems destined to find a place of honor in an advanced U.S. gold collection. Pop 45, 14 finer.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
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