1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim MS65 PCGS. ...

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Sold on Jul 9, 2010 for:

$46,000.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

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Description

Remarkable MCMVII High Relief Twenty, MS65
Flat Rim Variety

1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim MS65 PCGS. President Roosevelt wanted to create coins for the United States that would rival the beauty of those struck by the ancient Greeks, and the 1907 High Relief double eagle is considered by many to be the crowning achievement of this coinage renaissance. In Numismatic Art in America, Cornelius Vermeule explores the artistic merits of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle, which he considers to be "perhaps the most majestic coin ever to bear our national imprint."
Vermeule writes:

"The Liberty striding forward is as grand in miniature as the Hellenistic Victory of Samothrace on a heroic scale. The eagle in flight against the sun on the reverse achieves complete domination of motion and expanding vista over the confines of a tiny tondo. Although the authorities at the Mint flattened the relief to facilitate striking and handling, this coin has remained a forceful demonstration that modern, mechanical coinage need in no way be pedestrian ... Both coins [eagle and double eagle] seem as modern a century after they were conceived as any issues, American or otherwise, produced in the past generation."

The sculptures and friezes by Saint-Gaudens are impounded in various museums or public areas, but his coins are works of art that many collectors can own. The coins are universally praised for their artistic achievement. The 1907 High Relief double eagle is the most dramatic rendering of Saint-Gaudens' masterful design. A collector of any series or type would undoubtedly hold this spectacular example in high regard. The surfaces are bright with thick, satiny mint luster, as one would expect, only more so on this piece. The color is almost completely yellow-gold in color throughout. There is one mark, yes one mark, that we see: On Liberty's bent leg there is a short, horizontal mark across the shin. This exceptional coin really should be seen to be fully appreciated.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26F2, PCGS# 9136, Greysheet# 10133)

Weight: 33.44 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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