LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Summer F.U.N. Sig. Coin Auction #442  / 

3117

1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS65 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:47,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS65 PCGS.
<B>1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS65 PCGS.</B></I> What a pity that the very nature of this magnificent coin caused it to be minted in such relatively modest numbers! There is a beauty in every Saint-Gaudens double eagle, but not to the extent that beauty reigns on superb pieces made to match the original conception of the artist, in high relief, with all details struck boldly--to mesmerize the human eye!<BR> Countless words have been written about this coin, but how many collectors have ever considered its symbolism, especially compared to the symbolism portrayed on the first double eagle, of the Liberty Head style? On the earlier coin, we see emblematic structure, familiar to most collectors and admired by nearly all. Yet, by its nature, it is static, formal, handsomely stark but without “life.” Surrounding the left-facing head of Liberty are 13 stars, each of six points. The date in Arabic numerals appears below, easy to read. Otherwise, the obverse is void, an intentionally open field meant to offset the very concept of Liberty. On the reverse appear our nation’s name and the denomination, spelled out clearly. The eagle here is diminutive, strictly emblematic, but “emblazoned” by short rays rising from its shoulders with a sort of halo of stars above the bird’s head. The coin is a study in formality.<BR> By contrast, Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Liberty approaches us! She is striding forward (into the future?). It is Liberty itself here that is “alive,” while the government she represents is diminutive, at her skirt tips. The date is unimportant in this artistic scheme. It is not even readily readable, for it is in Roman numerals. The rays here are long and shine brightly! They gleam, they surround the concept of Liberty, they embolden the very nature of freedom. Numerous stars encircle, representing not only the states of the Union but outlining the proclamation of Liberty. And the reverse--oh, the reverse! Again, the rays blaze away, shine below and lift the American eagle, now no longer a mere emblem but animated, flying, and free! As the United States of America herself was, in 1907, on the verge of becoming an international power, for the first time ever, our wings were about to carry us into a bright and bold future--as indeed our national pride proclaims on this golden coin. It was important, too, that it was a gold coin, money in any language, and for all time.<BR> This Wire Rim example is poised at the threshold of perfection. The thick, satiny surfaces glow with mint luster. There are no contact marks visible to the unaided eye, and the striking definition is complete on each side. A magnificent High Relief and a coin that will surely take bidders' breath away.<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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