1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim, MS66 PCGS....

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MCMVII High Relief Double Eagle, MS66
Scarcer Flat Rim Variant
Famed Sculptor's Final Work

1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim, MS66 PCGS. Saint-Gaudens' double eagle design underwent many alterations in 1907 before it was ultimately struck for mass coinage, each one slightly or dramatically degrading the original models of the sculptor. Changes to Saint-Gaudens' work was not limited to the gold coins he designed, though. The June 6th, 1912 edition of The Atlanta Georgian, printed comments made by Saint-Gaudens' widow, Augusta, regarding a replica of the sculptor's Lincoln statue that had been made by Chicago sculptor George G. Ganiere for the Boston Chamber of Commerce:

"It is grotesque. The poise of the head is wrong. It is not like the original. The position of the arm is ungainly and not like my husband's statue. The folds of the clothing are exaggerated and the chair by which he is standing is out of proportion. The ornamentation upon the flint is not a copy of which Saint-Gaudens placed upon the original. They did not know how to spell his name. Here upon the pedestal it is spelled St. Gaudens."

Augusta's rather choice words regarding degradations of her husband's work were not absent from the double eagle design and the Mint's changes to its high relief, reducing it for the necessities of mass coinage. In letter to Leach on December 6th, 1907, Augusta's attorney, Charles Brewster, relayed her thoughts regarding the proposed low-relief models:

"Mrs. Saint-Gaudens writes: 'I am disappointed in the minted double-eagle, although the other is a beauty,' that is, the one from the medal press."

The coin that Augusta considered a "beauty" was the Ultra High Relief pattern, of which she was later allowed to purchase an example from the mint to remember her husband's final work of art.

Numismatists today still reflect Augusta's sentiments regarding the different variations of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens double eagle. Collectors almost universally consider the Ultra High Relief pattern to be the most beautiful coin ever produced by the U.S. Mint, although the rarity of these pieces -- and the strong seven-figure prices they bring at auction -- render them unobtainable for most enthusiasts. However, the Wire and Flat Rim High Relief coins -- produced to the extent of 12,367 pieces, are just about as beloved, especially when found in high grade. For the vast majority of collectors, the MCMVII High Relief coins struck between the Ultra High Relief patterns and the low-relief Arabic Date coins are the closest possible thing to Saint-Gaudens' original work that can be owned.

This Premium Gem Flat Rim coin boasts tremendous eye appeal and preservation, with sharp definition throughout and bright, satiny straw-gold mint luster. We have seen few comparable examples of this remarkable final work from one of the greatest sculptors in American history. Population: 65 in 66 (5 in 66+), 17 finer (3/25).(Registry values: N10218)

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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