1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS69 PCGS. As we wrote in the introductory section to the 1907 High Relief, this issue was a...

Description

Finest Known 1907 High Relief Wire Rim, MS69 PCGS

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 originality and three-dimensionality, giving this spectacular piece more of a look of a medal than a circulating coin. A minute alloy spot beneath the eagle's neck identifies the coin. The Wire Rim feature is uncharacteristically present around virtually the entire obverse, and around a good portion of the reverse. Population: 1 in 69, 0 finer (9/05).
Ex: Trompeter Collection; Heritage private sale, 1999.
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.(#9135)(Registry values: N1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26F2, PCGS# 9135, Greysheet# 10131)

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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