1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim PR65 NGC....

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Popular MCMVII High Relief, Wire Rim Twenty, PR65

1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim PR65 NGC. Interesting numismatic events slated for 2009 are destined to tie some "modern" coinages--a damning phrase that some collectors automatically (and incorrectly: "thar's gold in them thar hills") dismiss out of hand--with "classic" coinages of the past, those seemingly admired by all and collected by most, save for some contrarian sorts. One is the smallest denomination, and one is the former largest denomination. At the bottom end we see the U.S. Mint, with admirable symmetry, gearing up to release four different reverses for the Lincoln cent, emblematic of different periods in the life of "Honest Abe." Each reverse, if plans hold true, will be combined with an obverse that reflects the original relief and design of the 1909-dated Victor D. Brenner cents. Will the 2009 Lincolns be the last of the lot? Lower copper prices and a recession in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) may give the coins a reprieve--but only time will tell.

At the other end of the denominational spectrum, the Ultra High Relief pure gold, 1 troy oz. double eagle dated MMIX (2009), slated for issue in January 2009, will almost certainly spur increased collector interest in the original Ultra High Reliefs of 1907. Produced to the extent of only 20 or so proof coins, the 1907 Ultra High Reliefs (dated MCMVII) are today off-limits to all but the most well-heeled of collectors. As a result, we predict a flock of collector gold bugs will turn to the available High Relief, Roman Numeral coins.

As of this writing NGC only, not PCGS, recognizes the validity of the proof High Reliefs. The former service has certified 238 proofs in all grades, including six Flat Rim coins, 121 Wire Rim coins, and 111 others unspecified as to rim (but undoubtedly mostly of the Wire Rim kind). The present coin, a pleasing Gem proof, will return aesthetic rewards immediately when viewed by its new owner, and is almost certainly destined to provide increasing rewards in the future. The surfaces are bright yellow-gold with the usual, equally bright satiny mint luster. The swirling die polishing marks seen on all High Reliefs are abundantly evident on this piece. A couple of minor contact marks keep this piece from an even higher numeric designation. For collectors who plan to acquire one or more of the new MMIX Ultra High Relief coins, this specimen would make a splendid accompaniment. Census for Wire Rim coins: 17 in 65, 22 finer (12/08).

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28HM, PCGS# 908549, GSID# 10199)

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