LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

3410

1909 $20 PR66 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:59,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1909 $20 PR66 NGC
<B>1909 $20 PR66 NGC.</B></I> Collectors showed disappointment over the dark matte proof finishes on most proof gold of 1908, including double eagles, and orders plummeted the following year, in 1909. Even without an unpopular finish on the premiere Saint-Gaudens proof double eagles, sales would likely have nosedived the following year anyway. The history of American numismatics is rife with example after example of a new coin design that saw large proof mintages, only to dwindle substantially to fractions thereof in the ensuing years. <BR> At any rate, only 67 proof double eagles were officially struck in 1909. Interestingly, no proofs are known of the overdate 1909/8 error, even though its die was produced by dual impressions from 1908- and 1909-dated hubs. <BR> All of the proof double eagles of 1909, of course, were of the new, brighter Roman Finish, also called Satin Finish. In 1981 David Akers estimated that no more than 20-25 pieces were known. However, we believe the number of survivors is somewhat higher--based on the numbers of certified specimens with a reasonable estimate for crossovers and duplications--with somewhere between 30 and 40 proofs extant today, or perhaps half of the original mintage remaining. This is a magnificent proof striking that shows no obvious "shiny spots." Outstanding striking details are evident on each side, as only seen on proofs. The surfaces display an intermingling of subtle orange-gold with pale lilac. Essentially perfect surfaces, and a significant offering of this two-year proof gold subtype. Census: 8 in 66, 6 finer (11/07).<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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