Heritage World Coin Auctions
CSNS Signature US Coin Sale 1254 26-28 Apr 2017
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Proof High Relief Double Eagles
1907 $20 High Relief PR67+ ★ NGC. No official records have surfaced to document the striking of High Relief double eagles in proof format. However, Walter Breen, David Akers, and many other numismatists have gone on record as believing a small number of proof High Reliefs were struck, and NGC has certified a number of High Reliefs with specific die characteristics as proofs (PCGS does not recognize the existence of proof High Reliefs at this time). Scott Schechter provided us with a list of diagnostics NGC uses to certify proof High Reliefs. The coins certified as proofs exhibit crisp strikes and distinctive satin surfaces, with heavy, swirling die polish lines, and all are struck from the earliest state of one specific die pair. The most easily recognized feature of the NGC proofs is the edge lettering, as all proofs were struck using the same collar used to strike the Ultra High Relief double eagles, with a raised collar-segment line between the S in PLURIBUS and a star. This proof collar also shows a recut B in PLURIBUS. Walter Breen noted that Chief Engraver Charles Barber mentioned striking a small number of proofs, and he believed Barber had at least seven specimens in his estate at the time of his death in 1917. While a few examples of the Flat Rim variant were certified as proofs early on, NGC now believes all proof High Reliefs are of the Wire Rim type.
The present coin is a magnificent Pus-graded Superb Gem with tremendous eye appeal, as attested by the Star designation. The design elements are sharply detailed and a pronounced Wire Rim is evident around the obverse edge of the coin. The distinctive edge lettering from the Ultra High Relief collar is visible, with the raised segment line showing just to the left of one of the holder prongs and the recut B in PLURIBUS plainly visible. The vivid orange-gold surfaces are impeccably preserved, with the swirling die lines in the fields and vibrant matte luster on both sides. This lot represents an important opportunity to acquire one of the most prized issues in American numismatics. Census: 16 in 67 (1 in 67+, 1 in 67★, 2 in 67+★), 4 finer (3/17).
HID02901242017
1907 $20 High Relief PR67+ ★ NGC. No official records have surfaced to document the striking of High Relief double eagles in proof format. However, Walter Breen, David Akers, and many other numismatists have gone on record as believing a small number of proof High Reliefs were struck, and NGC has certified a number of High Reliefs with specific die characteristics as proofs (PCGS does not recognize the existence of proof High Reliefs at this time). Scott Schechter provided us with a list of diagnostics NGC uses to certify proof High Reliefs. The coins certified as proofs exhibit crisp strikes and distinctive satin surfaces, with heavy, swirling die polish lines, and all are struck from the earliest state of one specific die pair. The most easily recognized feature of the NGC proofs is the edge lettering, as all proofs were struck using the same collar used to strike the Ultra High Relief double eagles, with a raised collar-segment line between the S in PLURIBUS and a star. This proof collar also shows a recut B in PLURIBUS. Walter Breen noted that Chief Engraver Charles Barber mentioned striking a small number of proofs, and he believed Barber had at least seven specimens in his estate at the time of his death in 1917. While a few examples of the Flat Rim variant were certified as proofs early on, NGC now believes all proof High Reliefs are of the Wire Rim type.
The present coin is a magnificent Pus-graded Superb Gem with tremendous eye appeal, as attested by the Star designation. The design elements are sharply detailed and a pronounced Wire Rim is evident around the obverse edge of the coin. The distinctive edge lettering from the Ultra High Relief collar is visible, with the raised segment line showing just to the left of one of the holder prongs and the recut B in PLURIBUS plainly visible. The vivid orange-gold surfaces are impeccably preserved, with the swirling die lines in the fields and vibrant matte luster on both sides. This lot represents an important opportunity to acquire one of the most prized issues in American numismatics. Census: 16 in 67 (1 in 67+, 1 in 67★, 2 in 67+★), 4 finer (3/17).
HID02901242017