LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 April Rosemont, IL (CSNS) US Coin #1104  / 

2510

1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim MS66 PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:77,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim MS66 PCGS
<B>1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim MS66 PCGS.</B></I> This is a simply stunning Premium Gem example of the Saint-Gaudens High Relief double eagle, one of the most popular issues in the history of American coinage. The design elements are fully struck, and the surfaces of the coin are impressively preserved. A few faint marks appear in the outer obverse fields, but these are very superficial and easy to overlook. In addition to shimmering, satiny luster, the coin also presents lovely honey-gold and lime coloration across both sides.<BR> As an example of the so-called Flat Rim subtype, this piece enjoys added desirability, since the Flat Rim High Reliefs are several times scarcer than their Wire Rim counterparts. <BR> An unlikely partnership was formed in 1905 between two famous men: artist-sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and bully military hero Theodore Roosevelt. The two entered into a conspiracy to improve the artistic merit of American coinage, despite the almost certain opposition of U.S. Mint personnel (especially Chief Engraver Charles Barber). <BR> Over the next two years, Saint-Gaudens struggled with increasing ill health, but before his eventual death he succeeded in creating two of the most beautiful coin designs ever seen: this one and the design for the new Indian Head gold eagles.<BR> The following comments are taken from an article entitled <I>Congressman's Diary Reveals Original Owners of Rare Saint-Gaudens Gold Eagles,</B></I><B><I> </B></I></B></I>by<I> </B></I>Roger W. Burdette and Jeff Reichenberger: <BR> "President Roosevelt was very proud of his new gold coins. He encouraged senior members of his administration to purchase one each of the first variety eagles and high relief double eagles as mementos of the new designs. At times, the President seemed more like a new father passing out complimentary cigars on the birth of a baby than a Nobel Peace Prize winning chief executive."<BR> Modern-day numismatists should have no trouble understanding Roosevelt's pride in the accomplishment that these fabulous coins represented. Creating them was a difficult task, indeed, but the results were clearly worth the considerable efforts of all involved. <BR> <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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