LOT Heritage Rare Coin Galleries  /  2007 Jan (FUN) Heritage Signature Coin #422  / 

3797

1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim PR64 NGC. Traces of a w

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:28,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim PR64 NGC. Traces of a w
<B>1907 $20 High Relief PR64 NGC.</B></I> Although the existence of proofs is controversial, Roger Burdette's monumental <I>Renaissance of American Coinage 1905-1908</B></I> provides valuable background concerning the numismatic atmosphere in which the 1907 double eagles were produced. In a December 17, 1907, letter to Charles Brewster (attorney for the recently widowed Augusta Saint-Gaudens), Mint Director Frank Leach wrote:<BR><BR> "... There is a great demand for the coins of Mr. Saint-Gaudens' design . So far the medal press capacity at the mint at Philadelphia has been unable to satisfy it, and I am told the coins out there are all bringing a premium. I regret this, for I was in hopes that there would be sufficient struck to satisfy the wants of everybody. We shall continue running the medal presses as long as we can for this reason. We did not get the coin presses in operation on the double eagles of the new design as soon as expected. ... Of course, the coin from the coining press is not as fine a specimen of art as that struck on the medal press, yet, it seems to me, it is superior to anything any other country has produced. The relief is much higher than anything I have seen, and I think higher than that in existence on the gold coins of any country. ..."<BR><BR> Leach wrote this after the initial Ultra High Relief design was modified once to the High Relief design, then again to the final Low Relief, Arabic Numerals business strike style. Concerning potential proof coinage, what is known conclusively is that something less than two dozen "proofs," or specimen strikes, were made of the Ultra High Relief double eagle, those early in the year (February 1907). Several highly placed government officials--even the obstructionist Mint Engraver Charles Barber--received examples of that crowning glory of coinage art, as did, ultimately, Saint-Gaudens' widow. Those true patterns were made as early trials so that the various personages involved, from concept through commercialization, could see concrete examples. By a short time after, all involved had concluded that no coin with so high a relief could be mass-produced. But because of President Roosevelt's extreme fondness for his "pet project," he insisted on having coins to present to the public. The relief was modified a second time, to the High Relief design. Leach had 11,000 or 12,000 of the High Relief examples minted, turning what would have been a second pattern issue into circulating coinage. The relief was lowered a third time to the final coinage, capable of being struck with a single blow from the press. Given the demand for all examples of this issue, even the Low Relief coins, it would be extremely surprising, perhaps even shocking, if "proofs" or specimen strikings of the modified High Relief coins had <I>not</B></I> been produced. All available evidence points to the fact that specimen strikes were made, possibly at several different times, of the High Relief design, the best compromise between high artistry and wider availability. Much ado is made--probably overmuch--of the two variants found on the rims, as most examples show only a partial wire rim, sometimes only on one side.<BR> The striking definition on this piece is truly exceptional, and that alone sets it apart from other High Relief twenties. All the pillars on the Capitol building are fully detailed, and the peripheral lettering is completely separated from the wire rim that encircles each side. Rich orange-gold coloration is seen over each side with a thin veneer of satiny mint luster. Simply outstanding quality of this important, experimental striking of the 1907 High Relief.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coin/Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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