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541

Lot 541 - 1907 $20 St. Gaudens High Relief Wire PCGS MS63

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Lot 541 - 1907 $20 St. Gaudens High Relief Wire PCGS MS63
1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, Roman numerals, wire rim. Another choice, satiny example of this majestic design. Giving his artistic expression full rein, the Augustus Saint-Gaudens expressed the date on this issue in Roman numerals, MCMVII -- a first for an American coin design -- and the designs themselves in sculpture-like high relief. The Mint's staff objected vehemently, as those in Philadelphia felt that coins were their franchise and it was unfair for President Roosevelt to procure the assistance of an outsider to create new models. Apart from this, the engraving department at the Mint made it known that Saint-Gaudens' idea of producing a circulating coinage in high relief was impractical, for such would require multiple blows on a special press and would not be suitable for high-speed production. It so happens, the Mint was correct. This marvelous design was used only for a short while in 1907 and then rejected as impractical. Were it only possible to roll back the clock and change the course of events! (#9135)
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