- More
1910 $20 PR67 NGC....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
1910 'Bright Proof' Double Eagle, PR67
Among the Finest of Perhaps Only 60 Pieces Extant
1910 $20 PR67 NGC. Like the other three gold coins struck in
proof format in 1910, the double eagle had a larger-than-usual
mintage. In this case, 167 proofs were sold. That number is nowhere
near the production of quarter eagles, but it is significant for a
coin that was worth five days' wages for the average American in
1910. Curiously, a larger number of survivors are known of the 1910
double eagle than are know of the eagle. The number is still
relatively small, especially compared to the mintage, but the most
reliable estimate is in the range of 50 to 60 pieces in all grades.
As one would expect, the 1910 proof twenty is a condition as well
as an absolute rarity. NGC shows a total of four pieces certified
in PR67 with two PR68s. PCGS has graded the same number in high
grades, but the distribution is slightly different with five in
PR67 and one PR68 (3/15).Collector enthusiasm for the 'Bright Proof" or "Satin Proof" finish used in 1909 and 1910 was lackluster, just as it had been for the matte finish in 1908. At the ANA convention in September 1910, a resolution was passed that led to the abandonment of the bright proofs and resumption of the matte proofing process the following year. The resolution that was passed "following considerable debate" showed confusion between the sandblast finish and what members termed "the frosted finish." The first paragraph of the resolution stated in part: "It is the opinion of the majority of gold collectors that the present style of gold proof is far inferior to that showing the frosted finish." This resolution sealed the fate of the bright proof gold coins, and the next year matte proofing was resumed.
In his upcoming book on the Saint-Gaudens series, Roger Burdette points out that "Proof coins were superior in detail and different in finish from circulation coins, but they were not necessarily perfect in every respect." He cites striking weakness on some 1910 proofs (but not on this coin), and he also mentions a phenomenon he calls "craters" that are seen on the stars outside the laurel branch (this is noted on this piece). This was caused on several stars "when there was not enough metal available to flow into the center of the stars. This could also be caused by a planchet being too hard."
The obverse is uniformly bright yellow-gold, while the reverse has taken on a slight accent of reddish patina. We see no signs of post-strike contact on either side. The only useful pedigree identifier is a bluish spot above the first T in TRUST on the lower reverse. This is a magnificent example of the untreated proofs struck during the two-year window of 1909 and 1910, a unique finish that has never been used since that time. This outstanding coin is among the finest of this rare issue.
From The Big Sky Collection.(Registry values: N10218)
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26GX, PCGS# 9207)
Weight: 33.44 grams
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Learn more at the Newman Numismatic Portal at Washington University in St. Louis.
View all of [The Big Sky Collection ]
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
17.5% 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 | NGC Coin Grading Guarantee
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 01/20/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 01/20/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 01/21/2021
Currency
Ends on 01/21/2021
Currency
Ends on 01/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 01/21/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 01/21/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 01/24/2021
Currency
Ends on 01/24/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 01/28/2021
US Coins
Ends on 01/29/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 02/03/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 02/04/2021
Luxury Accessories
Ends on 02/07/2021
US Coins
Ends on 02/09/2021
Currency
Ends on 02/11/2021
US Coins
Ends on 02/15/2021
US Coins
Ends on 02/22/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 01/22/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 01/20/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 01/21/2021
US Coins
Opens about 01/29/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 01/27/2021
Currency
Opens about 01/25/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/03/2021
Photography
Opens about 02/03/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/05/2021
Historical
Opens about 02/08/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 02/05/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 02/01/2021
Currency
Opens about 02/01/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/10/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/11/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 02/19/2021
US Coins
Opens about 02/08/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/18/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 02/18/2021
Western & Texas Art
Opens about 02/19/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 02/19/2021
US Coins
Opens about 02/12/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 02/23/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/24/2021
Nature & Science
Opens about 02/26/2021
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
I am pleased with the process it was way easier than I had thought it would be and I feel confident that my coins are in the right hands.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search