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, MS63 PCGS. The ultimate success of the High Relief double eagle can best be seen in correspondence between Mint Director Leach and Chief Engraver Charles Barber. After Leach discovered his previous orders had not been followed to eliminate the "fin" or wire rim around the coins, modifications were made in their production that did at least minimize the presence of what was considered a minting flaw. In a letter to Leach, dated December 20, 1907, Barber sent the director two coins with the comment: " ... they are so well made that I fear the President may demand the continuance of this particular coin ... " This is one of the coins from that final, modified run that clearly shows a diminished "fin" around the rims. While not completely gone, the remaining wire rim is so slight that Mint officials were able to finally claim victory in the production of the coins. The surfaces of this piece lack the vibrancy of higher-graded High Reliefs, yet there are very few signs of contact on either side, and the strike details are complete throughout. The even bright yellow-gold color shows little trace of the often-found reddish patina seen on many High Relief twenties.
1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim, MS63 PCGS. The ultimate success of the High Relief double eagle can best be seen in correspondence between Mint Director Leach and Chief Engraver Charles Barber. After Leach discovered his previous orders had not been followed to eliminate the "fin" or wire rim around the coins, modifications were made in their production that did at least minimize the presence of what was considered a minting flaw. In a letter to Leach, dated December 20, 1907, Barber sent the director two coins with the comment: " ... they are so well made that I fear the President may demand the continuance of this particular coin ... " This is one of the coins from that final, modified run that clearly shows a diminished "fin" around the rims. While not completely gone, the remaining wire rim is so slight that Mint officials were able to finally claim victory in the production of the coins. The surfaces of this piece lack the vibrancy of higher-graded High Reliefs, yet there are very few signs of contact on either side, and the strike details are complete throughout. The even bright yellow-gold color shows little trace of the often-found reddish patina seen on many High Relief twenties.