1907-D $20 SP62 NGC....

Description

1907-D Liberty Double Eagle, SP62
Specimen Branch Mint Striking

1907-D $20 SP62 NGC. Until this coin surfaced, only one branch mint proof double eagle was known to have been produced of the 1907-D twenty dollar. The production date for that coin was known to be on September 30, 1907, and we suspect this example was struck the same day. Undoubtedly, these coins were struck to commemorate the end of the long-running Coronet design, which was first struck for regular coinage in 1850.

For a mint that had only been in operation for two years, this coin shows that the Denver facility was able to produce remarkably high-quality Specimen / Proof coinage. It is, in fact, consistent in quality with proof and specimen coins struck in other branch mints in the late 19th century. Slight contrast is evident on each side. Die polish is complete from rim to rim. The devices are sharply defined throughout. Unlike the Farouk 1907-D twenty we do not see the tiny lint marks here that were struck into the surfaces of that coin.

When viewing this coin, one is moved to ask, "Why not call it a proof?" The depth of mirroring in the fields is consistent with proofs of the era, the strike is comparable, and there is no trace of cartwheel in the fields. The only surface flaws worth mentioning (and of great importance when tracking the future pedigree of this coin) are planchet flakes below star 1 and to the left of the date, and on the reverse a short, shallow scratch is seen between the U in UNITED and the T in TWENTY.

Specimens and branch mint proofs are among the rarest of the rare in U.S. numismatics. They are incompletely understood even by experts as so few pieces are known, and grading services are hesitant to encapsulate certain issues as specific documentation is lacking. However, the coins speak for themselves, and it is apparent the planchets were specially prepared, and an attempt was made to produce a product that would be comparable to that struck in the Philadelphia Mint. To date there is only one 1907-D that has been certified as a proof, but the question arises: What is the difference between a proof and a specimen?

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BYCE, PCGS# 800190, Greysheet# 213688)

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.

View Certification Details from NGC