1909 $20 PR66 NGC. CAC. JD-1, R.5....

Description

1909 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PR66
Rare CAC-Approved Gold Proof
Only 67 Examples Distributed

1909 $20 PR66 NGC. CAC. JD-1, R.5. The sandblast finish used on proofs in 1908 proved unpopular with collectors, who preferred the old brilliant-finish proofs of earlier years. Unfortunately, the new designs for gold coinage by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Bela Lyon Pratt had basined surfaces or incuse design elements that made it impossible to produce the deeply mirrored fields that characterized the older proofs. None the less, Philadelphia Mint Superintendent John Landis responded to customer complaints and tried to make the 1909 proofs more acceptable to collectors. He ordered a switch to the satin finish for proofs in 1909. Roger W. Burdette explains the procedure was to merely strike the coins from new dies on the hydraulic medal press and skip the sandblasting of the finished coins that had imparted the dark, dull surfaces to the 1908 proofs. The satin finish proofs were lighter in color and closer to the old brilliant proofs than the sandblast issues, but still not what contemporary collectors were accustomed to. Burdette notes 201 proofs were struck, but only 67 examples were sold to collectors. The coins that met the specifications for regular coinage, but were not considered proof-worthy, were simply released into circulation as regular issues. John Dannreuther reports the proofs were delivered in quarterly batches of 25, 11, 8, and 23 pieces. The surviving population numbers 35-45 examples in all grades today.

The present coin is a spectacular Premium Gem proof, with fully struck devices that exhibit precise definition on all elements of the design. The virtually pristine orange-gold surfaces have a satiny sheen, closer to the brilliant finish proofs than any of the sandblast proof issues of this era. Overall visual appeal is tremendous and the high quality within the grade is confirmed by CAC. Census: 9 in 66 (1 in 66★ ), 5 finer. CAC: 4 in 66, 2 finer (5/24).
Ex: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 4570.(Registry values: N10218)
From The Noel Thomas Patton Collection, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GW, PCGS# 9206, Greysheet# 10192)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 1.06oz
Mintage: 67

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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