LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

3357

1907 $20 Arabic Numerals MS67 PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:32,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1907 $20 Arabic Numerals MS67 PCGS
<B>1907 $20 Arabic Numerals MS67 PCGS.</B></I> The fabulous Ultra High Relief patterns, of which about 20 pieces were produced, and the High Relief double eagles, "circulation strike" coins that were issued to the extent of around 12,000 pieces, showed the greatest fidelity to the artistry of visionary-sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. But it is not news to the numismatically well informed that they were completely impractical for then-current coinage technology, requiring the personal intercession of President Theodore Roosevelt to be produced at all. <BR> As Q. David Bowers points out in his <I>Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins, </B></I>"<I>efficiency</B></I> was the key precept. At the time the $20 circulated little except in areas of the West, and was mainly used for international monetary settlements and domestic bank reserves. And, it is to be remembered, a mint is a <I>coin factory,</B></I> not an artist's studio." <BR> Grading of this short-lived Arabic Numerals, No Motto type, only produced in 1907-08 before the motto was added to the reverse, has always been a problem. Wear will appear first at precisely the same areas as the highpoints of the design, which often appear weakly struck. Fortunately the present coin--one of only nine pieces so graded at PCGS with eight more at NGC, and none finer at either service--presents no such difficulties. Swirling mattelike luster evenly covers both sides of this amber-gold Superb Gem, and many of the normally weak details are nearly full, including Liberty's head and toe detail and the intricate detail at the top of the eagle's wings. Only the most trivial contact marks are noted, chiefly on Liberty's exposed torso, along with a tiny red copper alloy spot near the lower left obverse rim.<BR> This coin represents a rare opportunity to obtain one of the few finest of this first-year type, and as such should not be overlooked by serious collectors.<BR><I>From The Madison Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> Augustus Saint-Gaudens<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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