LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 May/June Long Beach, CA Sig. US Coin #438  / 

2703

1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS65 PCGS. This is a sp

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1,100.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS65 PCGS. This is a sp
<B>1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS65 PCGS.</B></I> This is a splendid, instantly appealing Gem representative of this coveted single-year type. With just over 11,000 pieces struck, there will never be enough High Relief twenties to satisfy collector demand for this inspired gold issue. The execution of this design in high relief has always been considered the ultimate achievement of the coiner's art--a fact widely recognized and reflected in the price of these coins.<BR> Both sides of this shimmering Gem boast satiny luster of uncommon radiance. Bright yellow-gold surfaces have only a few faint blushes of reddish patina on the reverse. The strike is expectantly crisp on the obverse and only comes up a trifle short on the highpoints of the eagle's plumage. Normally seen stacking friction is almost non-existent. Both sides exhibit an unbroken wire rim, a testament to the striking effort required to bring up the full design for these medal-like High Relief pieces.<BR> Evidence of the multiple strikes this piece received are apparent under magnification. For example, the U in UNITED is doubled along its lower right curve, and the LIB in LIBERTY is outlined beneath the base of the letters. The leaves of the olive branch are also outlined, as are the fingers of Liberty's torch hand. The High Relief type was clearly impractical for circulating coinage, and the miracle of its existence can only be attributed to the strength of will of President Theodore Roosevelt, who ordered Chief Engraver Charles Barber to "Begin the new issue even if it takes you all day to strike one piece!" Barber's arguments against the High Relief type were technically unassailable, but fortunately for rare gold collectors, Barber lost the battle before winning the war for lower relief.<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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