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Category: All Auction Archive Items > Proof High Relief Double Eagles Switch to Old Search Feature

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Lot: 1331
Auction: 1128   		1907 $20 High Relief PR67 NGC....
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Ended: Jul 30, 2009
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Description
Spectacular MCMVII High Relief Twenty
Rare Superb Gem Proof, Wire Rim


1907 $20 High Relief PR67 NGC. Augustus Saint-Gaudens' magnificent High Relief double eagle has long been acknowledged as the most beautiful U.S. coin designed for circulation. While the subject of proof High Reliefs has been hotly contested over the years, most experts today are convinced that a small number of extraordinary specimens meet the criteria for proof status. The subject is complex and can be confusing, because the proofs were produced in different formats and at different times as the Mint experimented with Saint-Gaudens' new design. As Walter Breen said in 1977, "Proofs were evidently made on several occasions for presentation purposes, from more than one of the pairs of dies used for this issue, with two different edge collars, and in several different finishes."
The earliest appearances of proof High Reliefs trace their origins to the collection of Chief Engraver Charles Barber, whose controversial role in the production of Saint-Gaudens' design is well documented elsewhere. The first auction appearance of the issue was in the Adolphe Menjou Collection (Numismatic Gallery, 6/1950), lot 1846. According to the lengthy lot description, the coin was obtained from "the widow of a gentleman associated with the Mint in 1907." The cataloger further states that two High Relief proofs were purchased from the lady, and these were "the only two proof specimens that have come to our attention."
One year later a proof High Relief was offered in the ANA Sale (Jim Kelly, 8/1951), lot 770A. In his lot description Kelly offered considerable information about the identity of the gentleman associated with the Mint:

"Acknowledged as the most beautiful United States coin, it has always been very popular with collectors as well as noncollectors. However, with all its popularity, there has always been a mystery surrounding Proofs of this issue. Only one specimen has been offered at public sale, Lot No. 1846 in the Menjou Sale.
"With due respect to the cataloguer, I believe I am publishing for the first time the correct history and number of these coins struck. Mr. Newcomer, the famous numismatist, purchased these coins from the Barber Collection. Mr. Barber was one of the head engravers at the Mint during this period. There was a note with these coins stating that 'There were only five pieces struck on a medal press.'
"I am indebted to Mr. Wayte Raymond for this information. He purchased all five pieces when he bought the Newcomer Collection."

The fact that the coins came from Barber's collection should dispel any doubt about the coin's proof status. As chief engraver of the Mint, Barber would certainly understand the criteria for a proof coin, and he knew the circumstances of the coin's production better than anyone else. Breen points out the fact that there are considerably more than five specimens of proof High Relief double eagles known today, but Barber may have meant that only five specimens were struck at the particular time when this group of coins was created.
Breen reports the coin in Kelly's description was made using edge collar 1, distinguished by the level bases of the M in UNUM. Research by proof gold specialist Dr. Robert Loewinger indicates that examples produced with this collar are of the Flat Rim variety. Only six Flat Rim High Reliefs have been certified as of this writing. If only one of the recorded submission events is a resubmission, the number of specimens certified would coincide exactly with the number Barber reports struck. Barber may well have given an accurate account of the striking of the Flat Rim High Reliefs in his note.
The present coin is of the more available Wire Rim variety. As with all High Relief proofs, the design elements are sharply delineated. The central detail is crisp, and the peripheral elements are razor-sharp. All berries are discernibly rounded, and the eight Capitol pillars are countable. The surfaces are pristine, with bright yellow-gold color, and even, satiny luster. Numerous swirling die-polish lines are evident on both sides. This example is one of the finest survivors of the most celebrated coin issue of the 20th century and is a deserving candidate for a Registry Set. Census: 14 in 67, 4 finer (6/09). (#9132)

Auction Name: 2009 August Los Angeles, CA US Coin Auction #1128
Description: Heritage Numismatic Auctions offers U.S. and World coins, medals, and tokens in our Signature Auctions & Final Session Sales, held in conjunction with some of the largest numismatic conventions. These sales feature award-winning cataloging and photography. Call or e-mail one of our Consignment Directors to learn about selling through Heritage.
Auction Type: Signature: !! Heritage Live: After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)

This lot is in:  Signature Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live) (lots 1-2879)
Internet bidding ends at 10:00PM CT the night before the floor session for this lot. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.

Item Activity: 5 Internet/mail bidders, 1,189 page views


The Coinage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens: as Illustrated by the Phillip H. Morse Collection
By James L. Halperin, Mark Van Winkle, Jon Amato and Gregory J. Rohan
The Coinage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens is an issue-by-issue examination of these two artistically inspired series of gold coins. Each date and mintmark is reviewed with up-to-date information, much of which has never been previously published. The book is based on the extraordinary collection of Phillip H. Morse. When Morse's collection was sold in November 2005 it brought $19.2 million with many records broken for both rare and common coins.
Order Now! Just $75


Previous Prices from Heritage Auctions
Lot Date Grade Service Realized
Auction 444, Lot 2067 Sunday, August 12, 2007 67 NGC $161,000.00
Auction 360, Lot 30558 Saturday, January 15, 2005 67 NGC $143,750.00
Auction 336, Lot 3229 Saturday, January 10, 2004 67 NGC $126,500.00
Auction 275, Lot 6670 Thursday, November 15, 2001 67 NGC $73,600.00
Auction 271, Lot 8717 Thursday, October 4, 2001 67 NGC $75,900.00
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PLEASE NOTE: All prices realized reflect the final hammer price PLUS the buyer's premium in auctions that charge a buyer's premium. Each item has a notation at the top of the listing indicating whether that lot included a buyer's premium. Example: A item that sells with a final hammer price of $100 and a 15% buyer's premium will display with a price realized of $115. All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. Please use this guide carefully and inform us of any inaccuracies.

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