Lot 2143
1908. With motto. PCGS graded MS-65. A nice satin finish coin. Very clean fields. Excluding the normal IN GOD WE TRUST on this piece was not a small matter for President Roosevelt. As early as April 1907, he asked Director Roberts for an opinion. According to Roger Burdette's research: "Roberts replied that it was not required by law, but that the Solicitor of the Treasury said that the motto had been in use for so long that that Congress may have lost the ability to prevent its use." Roosevelt decided to omit the motto anyway all double eagles and eagles issued in 1907 and part of 1908 lacked the motto. This simplified the designs and improved the overall artistic impact.
When the first coins were released in early November 1907, the omission was noticed immediately, however, and commented upon negatively. Within a few days, letters, telegrams, and petitions peppered the President, Congress. Legislation requiring the motto passed Congress and was signed on May 17. After June 17, 1908, all the new design gold coins carried the required inscription.
This is a strongly struck Gem that has booming mint frost and bright as the dickens, the golden aura shimmers off the surface. An outstanding strike as well, few high grade With Motto twenty 1908s are accounted for. A scarce opportunity to acquire this issue in the Gem MS65 grade. Pop 60; 11 finer, 10 in 66, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 9147) .
Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000.
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| Realized $10,638 |
