Lot 3787
1907. Wire Rim, Periods. NGC graded MS-65. Lovely light golden toning. As we have commented before, 1907 was a watershed year in American numismatics. Abandoned were several second-rate coin designs that had outlived their usefulness. President Theodore Roosevelt, spearheading the reform, ordered the Mint to bring its coinage design up to twentieth century standards. This was an era when politicians and statesmen were flexing the government's muscles, so to speak. America's brand-new navy, christened the Great White Fleet was steaming around the world on its grand tour. What we were telling the competing great powers was that America was one to be reckoned with; America, too, could throw its iron muscle around. Regardless of one's assessment of nationalism, whether it be all mighty or all foolhardy, Theodore Roosevelt was the leading figure in its "awakening." These elegant Ten Dollar Pieces by Augustus Saint-Gaudens were one of his more visible aspects of this modernization, and should be cherished as others cherish artifacts from prior, historic openings.
The Saint-Gaudens 1907 Wire Rim $10 is a rare and popular transitional coin, one of a mere 500 pieces made without intentions of circulation, technically making the Wire Edge ten a pattern (Judd-1774). This issue was the closest the mint came to reproducing the artistic design as conceived by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Theodore Roosevelt. The presently offered coin has beautiful subtly variegated color with only the faintest marks, none of them singular or important. Liberty's satin profile is impeccable! The die polishing marks (common to all specimens) are more pronounced on the reverse fields while overall the coin has a bright peaceful sheen. Pop 32; 28 finer (PCGS # 8850) .
Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000.
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