LOT #3368 |
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1911 $20 JD-1, R.5, PR66 NGC....
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Sold on Jan 14, 2026 for:
$158,600.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Description
1911 Saint-Gaudens Twenty, PR66
Only 100 Matte Proofs Distributed
Fewer Than 75 Pieces Survive
1911 $20 JD-1, R.5, PR66 NGC. The basined surfaces and
relatively high relief design elements of Augustus Saint-Gaudens'
iconic designs for the eagle and double eagle made it impossible
for Mint technicians to extensively polish the fields of the proof
coins issued after 1907. Accordingly, the Mint switched to an
artistic matte, or sandblast, finish for proofs in 1908.
Unfortunately, collectors failed to appreciate the new finish, and
most preferred the old brilliant finish of prior years. Responding
to collector demand, the Mint switched finishes again in 1909, to
the lighter satin, or Roman, finish, which did not involve
sandblasting the planchets, resulting in brighter surfaces, with
microscopic sparkling facets. Unfortunately, collector response was
even more unfavorable to the satin finish proofs. In United
States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold, John Dannreuther
writes:"...the Mint bowed to the pressure from collectors who had voted at the ANA convention in favor of the dull or Sandblast finish. Thus, the Mint abandoned the Satin finish seen in 1909 and 1910. From 1911 to the end of Proof gold coinage in 1915, Sandblast Proofs are the only finish encountered."
Returning to the sandblast finish in 1911, the Philadelphia Mint struck a small production of just 100 proof double eagles, with the coins delivered in three batches of 34, 28, and 38 examples throughout the year. A single pair of dies was used to strike all the proofs. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 65 to 75 examples in all grades, while PCGS estimates a slightly smaller total of 50 to 65 examples extant.
The present coin is a spectacular Premium Gem proof that exhibits sharply detailed design elements throughout. The impeccably preserved surfaces display a bright orange color, with the myriad tiny sparkles typical of this finish. Overall eye appeal is terrific. This coin will be a welcome addition to the finest collection or Registry Set. Census: 16 in 66, 15 finer (12/25).
From The Presidio Collection.
Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 107410, Base PCGS# 9208)
Weight: 33.44 grams
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
View all of [The Presidio Collection ]
Auction Info
2026 January 14 - 17 FUN US Coins Signature® Auction #1390 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2026
14th-17th
Wednesday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 34
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 227
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid per lot.
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