Lot 1649
1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty mint gem whose beautiful untouched original surfaces command respect; light golden-orange in color, vibrant satiny luster. Giving his artistic expression full rein, the sculptor and coin's designer Saint-Gaudens put the date in Roman numerals, MCMVII -- a first on an American coin design -- and the designs themselves in sculpture-like high relief. The mint's staff objected forcefully, as those in Philadelphia felt that coinage designs were their franchise and it was unfair for the President to enlist the aid of an outsider to create new models. Apart from that, the engraving department at the Mint made itself clear that Saint-Gaudens' idea of producing a circulating coinage in high relief was impractical, for such would require multiple blows on a special press and would not be suitable for high-speed production. This pretty much explains why High Relief production was only 11,250 pieces. Pop 89; 36 in 66, 7 in 67, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 9136) .
Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000.
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