8785

1908[$20] Motto PR65 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1908[$20] Motto PR65 PCGS.
<B>1908<$20> Motto PR65 PCGS.</B></I> The Philadelphia Mint produced both No Motto and Motto business strike Double Eagles in 1908. The proofs, however, were struck later in the year as they are all of the Motto type, a result of Congressional support of the mention of the deity on the nation's larger coins. Breen (1977) states that these coins were produced with three different finishes: light matte, dark matte, and "Roman Gold." While it would be a gross misnomer to label the 1908 proof Twenty a common coin, it is true that it is the date most frequently encountered among the eight issues in this very rare series. Green (1936) notes that an unknown number of proofs were melted in the mint as unsold on January 2, 1909. Published estimates of the number of survivors of this issue range from as few as 15 to 25 (Bowers) to as many as 30 to 35 (Akers). We believe the number to be even larger and estimate that there are between 45 and 60 pieces in all grades known today.<BR> An original coin, both sides display the olive-gold color that is characteristic of many extant dark matte examples. The surfaces exhibit a slightly granular texture, and the only mentionable abrasion one can use as a future identifier is seen in the obverse field to the left of the base of the torch. This is only detected, however, as the coin is turned under a light source. The crisp striking details are indicative of proof production methods. An important rarity from a perennially popular 20th century gold series. Population: 14 in 65, 1 finer (3/04). <BR><BR><B>Important notice:</B> Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Since eBay bids are not shown to us until we open the lot on the floor, we treat those bids just like floor bids. In most cases the floor responds before the eBay bid is presented to us, due to Internet lag time, so for consistency we have made it a policy that floor bids are always considered first over tie eBay live bids. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid. </span></font></tr></table></td></tr></table>