1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Edge MS(PCGS#9135)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

5206

Grade

MS61

Price

15,600

Lot Description

Desirable Mint State High Relief Saint-Gaudens $20 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-61 (PCGS). This handsome piece displays warm honey-gold patina, with blushes of pale pinkish-rose iridescence on both sides. The strike is sharp and has expertly imparted the bold high relief detail that makes this issue so desirable among advanced collectors. Quite attractive for the assigned grade with a pleasing softly frosted texture. A shallow planchet void in the left obverse field is as made and well concealed within the sun's rays. In 1905 and 1906, Augustus Saint-Gaudens prepared sketches and models, including for the cent, $10 and $20. However, he was in failing health, and when he passed away on August 3, 1907, his work was unfinished. The cent never went beyond the concept stage, but the Indian Head $10 and the High Relief $20 were essentially done, with finishing details provided by Saint-Gaudens' assistant, Henry Hering. Fortunately for numismatists today, the MCMVII High Relief was a sensation when examples were first released to the public in December 1907. Bank tellers and others saved all they could find, and soon they sold at a premium, $25 and then $30. Years later, as the passion faded, many were turned in and spent, including in the 1930s when the government called in all gold coins. Today, Mint State examples in all grades are eagerly sought; the inclusion of such a coin is sufficient to confirm the significance of any numismatic cabinet. PCGS# 9135. NGC ID: 26F2. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.