- More
1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim MS66 PCGS....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.Description
Premium Gem MCMVII Saint-Gaudens Twenty
Sought-After High Relief, Flat Rim Variety
Only 12,367 Pieces Minted
1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim MS66 PCGS. The gorgeous 1907
High Relief double eagles show Augustus Saint-Gaudens' design
before Charles Barber made several drastic changes. Unsurprisingly,
when Theodore Roosevelt chose Saint-Gaudens to begin the redesign
of American coinage, he offended Barber, who was chief engraver at
the mint. Not only did Barber feel highly qualified to do any
designs that needed to be done, but he resented that his
coins--especially the dime, quarter, and half dollar--would
potentially be changed by an outside artist.The rivalry between Charles Barber and Augustus Saint-Gaudens began well over a decade before the "Renaissance of American Coinage," as Roger Burdette and others have called it. They both judged a public competition for coinage redesign in 1891 and summarily rejected all of the entries. The following year they would clash again over the design for the Columbian Exposition award medal. Saint-Gaudens felt that Barber knew nothing of art, while Barber felt that Saint-Gaudens knew nothing of coinage. This impasse caused considerable delay and turmoil when Saint-Gaudens submitted his high relief designs to the Mint.
Barber has been accused of being jealous of Saint-Gaudens' talents, and while that is probably accurate, he did have a detailed knowledge of modern coining requirements. By the end of 1907, Barber had completely changed the double eagle hub, and as a result all issues other than the High Reliefs (and the very rare Ultra High Reliefs) differ significantly from the artist's original intentions. For collectors who desire an example of Saint-Gaudens' remarkable design as it was meant to appear, the 1907 High Relief is the only option. These fantastic pieces rightly belong in any type set as an issue separate from Barber's altered Arabic Numerals double eagle.
The present coin represents the less-available Flat Rim variety of the High Relief twenty. Like most examples seen, the central devices are exquisitely detailed, but the concave surfaces cause the peripheral devices, especially the sun, to be a little soft. The surfaces are a vivid greenish-gold color, with vibrant mint luster and no mentionable contact marks. Population: 38 in 66, 9 finer (12/10).(Registry values: N10218)
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26F2, PCGS# 9136)
Weight: 33.44 grams
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Learn more at the Newman Numismatic Portal at Washington University in St. Louis.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid (minimum $14) per lot.
Revised Edition by Roger Burdette, and edited by James L. Halperin and Mark Van Winkle
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles is an issue-by-issue examination of this 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 two extraordinary collections: The Phillip H. Morse Collection and the Dr. and Mrs. Steven L. Duckor Collection.
Order Now! Just $95
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information | PCGS Guarantee of Grade and Authenticity
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | Coin Grading Tutorial
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)US Coins
Ends on 02/26/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 02/26/2021
Historical
Ends on 02/27/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 02/27/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 02/28/2021
Currency
Ends on 02/28/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/03/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/04/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 03/05/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/08/2021
Photography
Ends on 03/10/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Fine & Rare Wine
Ends on 03/12/2021
Western & Texas Art
Ends on 03/12/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/15/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/16/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/17/2021
Nature & Science
Ends on 03/19/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/25/2021
US Coins
Opens about 02/26/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 03/04/2021
Luxury Real Estate
Opens about 01/22/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/03/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 03/08/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 02/25/2021
Movie Posters
Opens about 03/05/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/12/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/07/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/08/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/17/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/08/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 02/24/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/19/2021
Musical Instruments
Opens about 03/23/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/24/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/26/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/16/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/26/2021
Historical
Opens about 03/29/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/21/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/02/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/31/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/01/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/28/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
The sale of some of my collection was an easy process, especially with your help. Heritage Auctions provides collectors a reliable service and is a useful way to manage their collections.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)