Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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High Relief Double Eagles
1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim, MS62 PCGS. Although coins produced earlier in the year showed a thin fin of gold extruded through the narrow gap between the die and collar, forming a "wire rim" around the edge of the coin, High-Relief Saint-Gaudens double eagles produced after December 16, 1907 have a regular "Flat" rim. This variety first appeared at auction in lot 620 of the Keel, Griswold and Johnson Collections (Henry Chapman, 2/1908):
"1907 $20 2nd issue [referring to the Wire Rim example in the preceding lot] the same as last with the edge smooth made by using a flattening collar. Uncirculated. Mint lustre. In great demand, selling now at $35 to $40."
Although Chapman did well to notice the flattened rim on this specimen, which had been struck only two months before it made its appearance in his auction, his information about the "flattening collar" was erroneous. The troublesome fin had actually been eliminated by slight changes in the dimensions and upset angle of the planchets, modifications instituted after much experimentation under the direction of Mint Director Frank Leach. Only about 30% of High Relief double eagles in today's market are of the Flat Rim variety. The surfaces show the usual bright, satiny texture that shines through the even reddish patina that covers each side. Only close inspection with a loupe will reveal the small contact marks that account for the grade.
1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim, MS62 PCGS. Although coins produced earlier in the year showed a thin fin of gold extruded through the narrow gap between the die and collar, forming a "wire rim" around the edge of the coin, High-Relief Saint-Gaudens double eagles produced after December 16, 1907 have a regular "Flat" rim. This variety first appeared at auction in lot 620 of the Keel, Griswold and Johnson Collections (Henry Chapman, 2/1908):
"1907 $20 2nd issue [referring to the Wire Rim example in the preceding lot] the same as last with the edge smooth made by using a flattening collar. Uncirculated. Mint lustre. In great demand, selling now at $35 to $40."
Although Chapman did well to notice the flattened rim on this specimen, which had been struck only two months before it made its appearance in his auction, his information about the "flattening collar" was erroneous. The troublesome fin had actually been eliminated by slight changes in the dimensions and upset angle of the planchets, modifications instituted after much experimentation under the direction of Mint Director Frank Leach. Only about 30% of High Relief double eagles in today's market are of the Flat Rim variety. The surfaces show the usual bright, satiny texture that shines through the even reddish patina that covers each side. Only close inspection with a loupe will reveal the small contact marks that account for the grade.