Heritage Auctions Search

Skip to main content

Go to accessibility options

Auction 392 | Lot 6501 » Other Collectibles » Books
President Theodore Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed "Theodore Roosevelt" as President, three pages, on 8" x 10.5" White House letterhead, November 11, 1907, Washington. A spectacular and important letter written to the Rev. Roland C. Dryer of Nunda, New York defending his omission of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST from newly minted $10 and $20 gold coins designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Dryer protested the omission of the motto, which had appeared on numerous U.S. coins since 1864. He was one of many who protested its absence and pressured Congress to mandate the motto be used on all gold and silver coins in 1908. Roosevelt's reasons for opposing the motto were varied and nuanced and had nothing to do with issues surrounding the separation of Church and State.

Roosevelt defended the removal of the phrase citing legal precedent: "When the question of the new coinage came up we lookt [sic] into the law and found there was no warrant therein for putting 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on the coins. As the custom, altho [sic] without legal warrant, had grown up, however, I might have felt at liberty to keep the inscription had I had approved of its being on the coinage. But as I did not approve of it, I did not direct that it should again be put on. Of course the matter of the law is absolutely in the hands of Congress, and any direction of Congress in the matter will be immediately obeyed. At present, as I have said, there is no warrant in law for the inscription."

Roosevelt continues on a personal note, citing his own reasons for disliking the motto on coinage. "My own feeling in the matter is due to my very firm conviction that to put such a motto on coins, or to use it in any kindred manner, not only does not good but does positive harm, and is in effect irreverence which comes dangerously close to sacrilege. A beautiful and solemn sentence such as the one in question should be treated and uttered only with that fine reverence which necessarily implies a certain exaltation of s (PCGS# 7946)
Bid Source: Mail/Fax

Featured

Service Uncertified

Grade MS65

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $43,125.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6502 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1908 $10 Motto MS67 PCGS. The 1908 is the first issue of the With Motto type in the ten dollar Indian series. The original mintage was an impressive 341,602 pieces, and Uncirculated coins are anything but rare. However, once the Gem level has been achieved (and in this case passed) there are very few coins to satisfy collector demand. Indeed, population statistics indicate that PCGS and NGC combined have certified only 6 pieces in MS67 and 6 coins finer (9/05). Moreover, our records indicate that only two Superb Gem coins have appeared at auction in the past 20 or so years, and just one piece is finer, confirming the rarity of this issue in the loftier grades of Mint State.

The MS67 eagle we offer in this lot displays beautiful yellow-gold surfaces with faint greenish undertones and a few splashes of deeper orange-gold. The luster is intense, and the design features are well impressed, all of which exhibit crisp definition. The surfaces are immaculately well preserved; for the sake of accuracy, we note just one tiny unobtrusive mark on the Indian's cheek, and a couple more in the right (facing) reverse field. All in all, this coin generates exceptional eye appeal, and is sure to draw the attention of gold collectors. Population: 2 in 67, 4 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS67

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $54,625.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6503 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1908 $10 Motto MS66 NGC. During 1908 the powers that be in Congress decided to add the motto IN GOD WE TRUST to these eagles on March 31, 1908 against the wishes of President Teddy Roosevelt. The motto was placed in the small field near the eagle's chest, and remained there for the duration of coinage. The surfaces of this coin are stunning, with virtually no signs of handling. For the sake of accuracy and future identification, we do note a trivial mark on the Indian's neck and another on the temple, but these are in no way offensive or noticeable. The surfaces have a satiny texture, which is characteristic of the issue, and emit great luster. Greenish-gold patination with splashes of deeper orange occupy each side. It will be difficult to locate a piece that possesses the eye appeal of this specimen. Census: 29 in 66, 6 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Internet

Service NGC

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $16,100.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6504 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1908-D $10 Motto MS66 PCGS. Because of its rather hefty mintage of 836,500 pieces, this conditionally rare issue in the ten dollar Indian series has been traditionally underrated in Mint State. The '08-D Motto is seldom seen in mint condition and is almost never located in grades above MS 63. In MS66 condition, the grade of the coin offered in this lot, PCGS and NGC have certified a total of 8 coins, and only 7 grade higher.(9/05). Furthermore, our records indicate that a mere 4 specimens have made appearances at major auction sales over the past ten or so years, with 5 pieces grading higher.

This is a particularly well defined example that exhibits sharp detail on all of the design elements, a fine-grain texture in the fields, and soft, satiny luster with variegated orange-gold and lime-green color spread over each side. The surfaces are impeccably well preserved, with just a couple of minor marks hidden in the Indian's headdress. A small mint-made planchet flaw is located on the Indian's cheek, but does not distract. An outstanding example of this scarce issue. Population: 4 in 66, 3 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $34,500.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6505 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1909-D $10 MS67 PCGS. Breen-7109. The 1909-D is a scarcer issue among early ten dollar Indians and much more challenging than its mintage of 121,540 pieces would indicate. David Akers (1988) contends that it is one of the most underrated issues in the series, and is actually one of the rarest in an absolute sense. Even in MS60 this date is somewhat scarce, and it can only be located with great difficulty in MS63 and MS64. In Gem and better condition this date is quite rare. PCGS and NGC combined have certified only 16 examples in MS65 and higher grades, and it is likely that some of these are resubmissions (9/05). Moreover, our records indicate that the '09-D in these higher Mint State grades has appeared in major auction sales only nine times within the past ten to fifteen years.

In his May 1998 catalog of the Thaine Price Collection, Akers writes that a number of 1909-D ten dollar coins that were not previously known to the numismatic community have come on to the market in recent years. He goes on to say that most of these are of minimal Uncirculated quality, with only a few even reaching the Choice level.

Walter Breen, in his 1988 Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins, identifies two variants of the D mintmark on the 1909. The first variety has a broad D opposite the arrow points, and parallel with the upright of the T in TEN, as on the current specimen. The second variety has the mintmark below the arrow points. Breen says this was an intentional change in position to give a less cramped effect. According to Breen, the first variety is scarcer in Uncirculated grades than is the second variety.

We feel that it is worthwhile to list recent appearances of the 1909-D eagle in the finer grades of Mint State. Superior offered a PCGS graded MS66 specimen in its May 1992 sale of the Adams, et al collections (lot 2908). The cataloger described this as a "blindingly bright" coin, identified by a small nick on the eagle's left shoulder. Another PCGS graded
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Featured

Service PCGS

Grade MS67

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $138,000.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6506 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1909-D $10 MS66 PCGS. Breen-7109. As indicated in the above lot on the MS67 '09-D eagle, Gem and better coins are a very scarce commodity. In MS66 grade, PCGS and NGC have certified a total of eight specimens, with a mere three pieces grading finer (9/05). Some of these coins are likely resubmissions. According to our records, Premium Gems have made only four appearances in major auction sales over the past 10 or so years, with one example grading higher.

We cannot help but notice the differences in the two '09-D ten dollar coins offered in this sale. Unlike the frosty surfaces on the previous MS67 example, the current coin has more of a satiny and matte-like appearance, indicating that this date was made in two different finishes. Also, the luster on the present specimen is just slightly more subdued than on the previous coin, and the honey-gold color is evenly distributed over each side instead of being variegated as on the MS67 example.

With respect to other surface characteristics, the piece offered in the present lot is sharply impressed on the design elements, with excellent resultant definition in the feathers on the headdress and on the eagle. The mintmark is located opposite the arrow points and is broad, confirming the Breen-7109 variety. The surfaces on both sides are well preserved, and display just a couple of minute marks on the Indian's cheek, and another in the right (facing) reverse field. A small planchet void is located below and to the right of IN GOD WE TRUST, and will serve, along with the previously mentioned unobtrusive contact marks, as a pedigree identifier. Population: 5 in 66, 2 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Featured

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $74,750.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6507 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1909-S $10 MS65 PCGS. Prior to the late 1970s discovery of a hoard of about 60 pieces, which Ron Gillio sold intact to Jim Halperin at New England Rare Coin Galleries, the 1909-S was virtually impossible to obtain in Uncirculated condition. Despite this discovery, the '09-S is still very scarce in Mint State, with most pieces in MS62 to MS64 grades. Gem and better coins are very challenging. According to our records, only 12 MS65 examples, and three coins grading higher, have appeared in major auction sales within the past 25 years.

The surfaces of the coin presented in this lot are somewhat satiny with pleasing luster, and yield variegated yellow-gold, light green, and orange-gold patination. The design elements are generally well struck, though some of the hair above the Indian's forehead is a tad soft. A few minute marks on the Indian's cheek and neck and on the eagle's right leg are not inconsistent with the grade level. Population: 15 in 65, 5 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $11,500.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6508 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1910 $10 MS66 PCGS. The 1910 is a relatively common date and is fairly easy to obtain in average Uncirculated condition. Full Gems and better coins, however, pose a formidable challenge. The MS66 coin offered in this lot displays grainy, matte-like surfaces that are highly lustrous and bright. It possesses a beautiful melange of orange-gold coloration with faint yellow-green undertones and greenish-gray accents. The design features are well impressed throughout, and the surfaces are immaculately preserved. A few tiny inoffensive rim marks at 9 o'clock on the reverse and in the adjacent field are mentioned for accuracy, and may serve as pedigree identifiers. Population: 13 in 66, 2 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $10,350.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6509 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1910-D $10 MS66 PCGS. Gold specialist David Akers indicates that the 1910-D is the most common branch mint Indian Head eagle, and is fairly easy to obtain through MS64, with even true Gems being encountered with some regularity. MS66 and better pieces are much more difficult. The Premium Gem offered here exhibits frosty surfaces and nice luster, with colors varying from greenish to orange-gold. All of the design elements are well impressed, and the only mentionable marks, none of which are offensive, occur on the eagle's left leg and wing. Population: 25 in 66, 0 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $8,050.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6510 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1911 $10 MS67 PCGS. The 1911 is one of the more frequently encountered issues in the ten dollar Indian series, but its availability drops off dramatically after the MS64 level. Superb coins are virtually non-existent and are certainly no more available than the 1932 or 1926. Only seven other pieces have been so graded by PCGS with none finer, while NGC has certified seven coins with two finer (9/05). The surfaces show the fine-grain texture one expects from this date with a generous overlay of yellow-orange frosted mint luster, which flows around each side unimpeded by the abrasions one normally expects of this type. In fact, the only marks we see are a couple of minute, inoffensive ones on the Indian's temple. Simply outstanding quality in this very challenging series. Sharply defined throughout.
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS67

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $46,000.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6511 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1912 $10 MS66 NGC. This issue is a perennial favorite among collectors, representing the first year of a slight change in the production. With the addition of New Mexico and Arizona as the 47th and 48th states, the edge of these coins contained 48 stars instead of the previous 46 stars on those issues through 1911. This Premium Gem example has wonderful peach-gold color over frosty and intense luster. Splashes of orange toning add to the overall appeal of this beautiful coin. The design elements are well executed, and the surfaces are well preserved. Just a few minute marks on the Indian's cheek are mentioned for accuracy. Census: 16 in 66, 1 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service NGC

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $16,100.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6512 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1912-S $10 MS66 PCGS. The 1912-S, with a mintage of 300,000 pieces, is a scarce date in any condition, and is very scarce in Uncirculated grades. It becomes downright rare in MS65, where just 10 examples have been certified by PCGS and NGC combined (9/05). In MS66, the two grading services have seen a mere 3 coins, and none finer!

Not only is the '12-S an important condition rarity, it emerges as one of the absolute rarest issues of the series when overall appearance and eye appeal are factored into the rarity equation. Gold specialist David Akers goes as far as to say that "high grade and attractive" and "1912-S eagle" are almost mutually exclusive terms. Specifically, he indicates that the '12-S is one of the most poorly struck issues of the series, far weaker than the usual 1911-S or 1913-S. The hair around the face is almost always indistinct, and the feather detail on the eagle's shoulder is usually weak. Akers also notes that the luster is generally well below average for the series.

The 1912-S example that we offer in this lot is without a doubt superior to that typically found. It exudes considerable "flash," with bright surfaces that radiate vibrant luster. The color scheme consists of a mixture of peach-gold and faint grayish-green patina, and occasional orange-gold accents. The design elements are better struck than average, though some of the typical weakness in the hair around the Indian's ear is noted. The feathers in the headdress and on the eagle, on the other hand, display nice definition. Some unobtrusive and minute marks near the Indian's ear and on the eagle's head and neck serve as pedigree indicators. Population: 1 in 66, 0 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Featured

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $115,000.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6513 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1912-S $10 MS65 PCGS. As we pointed out in the above lot on the MS66 '12-S ten dollar, coins that grade full Gem and better are quite rare. In MS65, PCGS and NGC have seen a total of 10 coins, with only three grading higher (9/05). Some of these specimens are undoubtedly resubmissions.

As we also indicated previously, the 1912-S is one of the most unattractive issues of the series, and one of the most poorly struck. Fortunately, the coin offered in this lot, like its MS66 predecessor, generates considerable overall eye appeal. While not as bright as the aforementioned Premium Gem, it still exudes nice luster, and possesses very attractive orange-gold color imbued with traces of lime-green and tan. The motifs are also well executed, including relatively clear definition in the hair around the Indian's hair and on the eagle's shoulder feathers, areas that are typically weak. A few small marks on the Indian's cheek and lower neck and in the lower left (facing) obverse field are mentioned for accuracy. Population: 7 in 65, 1 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Featured

Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $34,500.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6514 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1915 $10 MS65 NGC. The 1915 is one of the more frequently encountered P-mints in the series, and it is similar in scarcity to the 1910, 1912, and 1913. It is not that difficult to obtain in Mint State grades through near-Gem, but becomes very scarce in MS65 and is rare in higher grades. Bright surfaces are yellow-gold in color and somewhat pebbly-like, and exhibit dazzling luster. The design elements are sharply struck, with nice definition apparent on the Indian's hair and the eagle's feathers. A few minute contact marks on the Indian's cheek, as well as a small planchet indention on the jaw, are pedigree markers. A small greenish spot between the P and L of PLURIBUS is also noted. Census: 69 in 65, 16 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Internet

Service NGC

Grade MS65

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $6,044.40
Auction 392 | Lot 6515 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1915-S $10 MS64 PCGS. The 1915-S has the third lowest With Motto mintage (59,000 pieces), behind the 1911-D and 1911-S issues. Not even the highly touted 1913-S has a lower mintage. Very few '15-S coins are known in higher Mint State grades. In fact, PCGS and NGC combined have certified only 30 pieces in MS64, and 10 examples finer (9/05). When it is considered that some of these are undoubtedly resubmissions, the difficulty in acquiring this issue at this grade level becomes apparent.

The coin offered in this lot has bright, somewhat grainy surfaces that emit radiant luster. Peach-gold patina with faint greenish undertones overrun each side, and the design elements are sharply impressed. A few minor contact marks on the Indian's face preclude a higher grade. This is an extremely important opportunity to acquire this rarity. Population: 19 in 64, 5 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $37,375.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6516 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1916-S $10 MS66 PCGS. Two small hoards of Uncirculated 1916-S eagles found in the late 1970s account for this issue being more common in Mint State than any other S-Mint Indian Head ten dollar. Most of the extant Mint State coins are in grades MS60 to MS62; the population appears to thin considerably in MS63 and MS64, and becomes quite difficult at the Gem level. Higher grade pieces are virtually unobtainable.

The Premium Gem example offered in this lot presents a rare opportunity for the gold specialist. Bright surfaces exhibit radiant luster and peach-gold color that displays occasional whispers of orange-gold. A small alloy spot is noted in the right (facing) reverse field just above the eagle's wing. Sharp impressions characterize the design features; good definition is noted in the Indian's hair and headdress and on the eagle's feathers. A few minute marks on the Indian's cheek and the eagle's neck are not in the least offensive. Population: 4 in 66, 2 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $48,875.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6517 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1932 $10 MS65 NGC. A considerable quantity of 1932 eagles must have met their fate in government furnaces, but enough have survived to make the issue affordable by today's collector. Gems are under strong demand, however, particularly from investors and type collectors. The coin in this lot displays bright, highly lustrous surfaces and a pleasing yellow-gold and greenish patina. The design elements are sharply defined, with nice detail apparent in the Indian's hair and headdress feathers, and on most of the eagle's feathers. A few minute marks scattered about do not distract..
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service NGC

Grade MS65

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $4,887.50

Make Offer to Owner
$7,331 or more
Auction 392 | Lot 6518 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1932 $10 MS65 PCGS. The 1932, with a mintage of 4,463,000 pieces, is the most common Indian Head eagle in Mint State, and is the commonest issue in Gem condition. PCGS and NGC combined have certified well over 50,000 coins in Uncirculated grades, around which 2,000 or so fall into the Gem and better category (9/05). Even after accounting for resubmissions, there are obviously enough pieces available for the collector market. The present MS65 coin displays radiant luster and shades of peach and orange-gold patina and subtle greenish undertones. A few minute alloy spots occur over each side. The design elements are sharply struck throughout. Some minute marks that are consistent with the grade level are noted over each side.
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $4,312.50
Auction 392 | Lot 6519 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1932 $10 MS65 NGC. Like the 1932 Gems in the two previous lots, this coin is well struck, with good definition apparent on the Indian's hair and headdress and the eagle's feathers. Lustrous surfaces take on a honey-gold hue with some traces of light tan, and are well preserved, exhibiting just a few minor marks that befit the grade.
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.
Bid Source: Internet

Service NGC

Grade MS65

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $4,312.50
Auction 392 | Lot 6520 » Eagles » Indian Eagles
1933 $10 MS65 PCGS. In an effort to help reverse the tide of the Depression, Franklin Roosevelt issued Presidential Order 6260 in March 1933 halting the release of gold coins from the Mint. This Order created several noteworthy rarities in the 20th century gold series. Most notable among these are the 1933 eagle and the 1933 double eagle. While the latter issue is not believed to have been released before the president's declaration and, as such, is prohibitively rare (and considered by the Government to be illegal to own), 1933 Indian eagles are obtainable, albeit very scarce, and always realize strong prices whenever a survivor appears on the market.

Following its sizeable mintage of 4,463,000 pieces in 1932, the Philadelphia Mint opened 1933 with a respectable delivery of 312,500 eagles in January and February. A few of these coins, perhaps 30 to 40 pieces, were legally released through regular channels at that time. The aforementioned presidential order of March not only halted gold coin production, but prompted the Philadelphia Mint to melt all remaining 1933 eagles. Walter Breen, in his 1988 A Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins, wrote that a small number of possibly 20 to 30 survivors, probably the majority of the coins issued, came to light in an east coast hoard circa 1952. Breen states: "I studied eight of them on a single tray in 1953: gem mint state beauties." A few more individual coins later turned up in French and Swiss banks. All known pieces are in Uncirculated grades.

We present below some of the recent auction appearances of the elusive 1933 eagle. The Eliasberg specimen was sold by Bowers and Ruddy in October 1982 (lot 873), where it was described as "Lustrous and frosty. One of the finest known examples of this issue." A specimen described as having "full frosty luster with a satiny surface" appeared in the Stack's October 1984 sale (lot 1377). The cataloger stated that this coin is "Unquestionably finer than the Eliasberg spe
Bid Source: Live: Floor

Featured

Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $517,500.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6522 » Double Eagles » High Relief Double Eagles
1907 Ultra High Relief, $20 Lettered Edge PR69 PCGS. While the sun never set on the British flag in the 19th century, the 20th century was definitely "The American Century." After the assassination of William McKinley in 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt typified the American spirit: young, vibrant, and energetic. Roosevelt's interest in the appearance of America's coinage is not coincidental, as he had written an essay some 20 years previously on the coinage of Gouverneur Morris. Nor was his interest merely that of a collector or enthusiast of coinage. It is not an overstatement to say that Roosevelt was prescient in his understanding of the role the United States would play in the 20th century. To that end, he sought a new appearance for American coinage, one that would project to all the nations of the world the vision and dynamism of the United States. Just as mint officials from the 1790s understood the importance of the exact weight of all silver and gold coins and how that exactness affected the acceptance of U.S. coins abroad, Theodore Roosevelt understood the importance of the appearance of American coins. To that end, he challenged America's foremost sculptor to alter the coinage then in circulation, coins Roosevelt considered to be artistically of "atrocious hideousness."

It seems particularly appropriate that exactly 100 years after Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens first met and discussed making a try at the high relief coins of the ancient Greeks, the finest known example of the Ultra High Relief is being offered for sale as part of the finest collection of Saint-Gaudens coinage ever sold at public auction. Needless to say, this is a visually stunning coin. The surfaces are virtually perfect, as one would expect from a coin graded PR69; nevertheless, it is somewhat surprising to see that any coin has been so well cared for since striking 98 years ago.

As mentioned in the introductory page, Ultra High Reliefs were struck seven times on a medal press in o (PCGS# 9131)
Bid Source: Mail/Fax

Featured

Service PCGS

Grade PR69

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $2,990,000.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6523 » Double Eagles » High Relief Double Eagles
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS69 PCGS. As we wrote in the introductory section to the 1907 High Relief, this issue was a revision of Saint-Gaudens' Ultra High Relief double eagle, as the latter proved impractical for circulation strikes because it required seven blows from a 150-ton medal press to fully articulate the design. The "High Relief" could be struck after just three blows of the medal press. Over 12,000 High Relief twenties were struck by the end of December, 1907.

As we also pointed out earlier, a so-called "Wire Rim" protruded around the outer extremity in the coins, which resulted from excessive metal flow between the die face and collar during the striking process. Unlike today's collectors who consider the Wire Rim to be a highly collectible variety, Mint officials considered it to be a striking deficiency. This "flaw" in the striking process was corrected around mid-December, and subsequent High Relief double eagles possessed what became known as a "Flat Rim."

The High Relief Wire Rim example we offer in the present lot is a supremely preserved, satiny gem of this highly regarded Saint-Gaudens issue. The execution of this design in high relief has, to date, been the ultimate achievement of the coiner's art--a fact widely recognized and reflected in the price of these coins. The design elements on this coin are very well defined, indeed better that what might be expected for the issue. Despite multiple blows, the typical High Relief Wire Rim specimen may display weakness on the stars, on the Liberty and eagle motifs, and the on the tops of the letters. The present Morse coin reveals strong definition in most of these areas. Only small portions of the Capitol building and the eagle's wing feathers exhibit minor softness. A pleasing yellow-gold patina bathes each side, both of which have managed to escape any signs of post-striking impairments, and the radiant, satiny luster has a gleam that is unique to High Reliefs. The overall effect is one of origina (PCGS# 9135)
Bid Source: Mail/Fax

Featured

Service PCGS

Grade MS69

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $575,000.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6524 » Double Eagles » High Relief Double Eagles
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS67 NGC. The 1907 High Relief Wire Rim twenty dollar, according to the Census reports, is readily available in Mint State grades through MS64. It becomes considerably scarcer in Gem and Premium Gem, and very challenging in MS67 and higher grades. Indeed, a total of just 22 MS67 specimens, the grade of the piece in the current lot, have been seen by both NGC and PCGS, along with 5 coins grading higher (9/05). Moreover, according to our auction records, only five Superb Gems have made appearances over the past 25 or so years. We present a review of four of these sales below.

In its August 1978 sale of the Kaufman Sale, RARCOA offered a piece described as having "magnificent deep golden toning" (lot 1907). The specimen appearing in Superior's October 1989 of the Heifetz Collection (lot 5200) is described as follows: "the strike is spectacular, crisp and bold, with no signs of weakness." The 1907 High Relief in Superior's May 1990 sale is called "Perfect-sleek, elegant, pleasing to the eye and impeccable" (lot 5790). Finally, a Superb Gem we sold in our August 1997 ANA Sale is described thus: "the radiant, satiny luster has a gleam that is unique to High Reliefs" (lot 7873).

The descriptors applied to the foregoing MS67 High Reliefs can be applied to the present coin from the Phillip Morse Collection. It has deep yellow-gold toning over a satiny finish with radiant luster. The strike is exquisite, with all of the design elements displaying excellent definition, and the surfaces are impeccably preserved, exhibiting not even a few minor abrasions that might serve as pedigree markers. Indeed, the only identifiers on this coin are a couple of light alloy spots, one in the middle of the eagle's lowest tail feather, and another on a feathertip over the eagle's leg. A faint wire rim is noted along the right (facing) obverse.
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage. (PCGS# 9135)
Bid Source: Mail/Fax

Featured

Service NGC

Grade MS67

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $149,500.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6525 » Double Eagles » High Relief Double Eagles
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS66 PCGS. Fewer than 90 1907 High Relief Wire Rim specimens have been certified at the Premium Gem level by PCGS and NGC combined, with less than 30 pieces graded higher (9/05). Moreover, a total of 16 coins grading MS66 have made auction appearances over the past 10 to 15 years.

One of the premier coins ever conceived for circulation, the High Relief double eagle is simply a delight to own. The devices are deeply engraved into the dies, so the coins struck have a definite three-dimensional appearance. Liberty appears to be walking right off the coin, and the eagle looks as though it's just flying by. Evidence of more than one blow from the dies is especially prominent on Liberty's hair and on the branch held in her left hand. The surfaces display yellow-gold color, and are well preserved. A minute mark below the T in LIBERTY might be used to identify the piece. Population: 61 in 66, 19 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage. (PCGS# 9135)
Bid Source: Internet

Featured

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $69,000.00
Auction 392 | Lot 6526 » Double Eagles » High Relief Double Eagles
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS64 PCGS. The surfaces of this 1907 High Relief double eagle display the usual satin-like mint luster and yellow-gold color, and show minimal signs of handling. A few very minor marks in the left (facing) obverse and reverse fields preclude an even higher grade. The design elements are well struck up, with no areas revealing signs of weakness. The wire rim is most evident along the right (facing) sides of both obverse and reverse. This is one of the most popular coins ever produced by the Philadelphia Mint and certain to be a highlight in any collection it graces.
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage. (PCGS# 9135)
Bid Source: Live: Phone

Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended
Live Bid Now

Nov 3, 2005

Auction Archives
Sold For: $35,937.50

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Results per page: 10 25 50

© 2025 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved