Heritage World Coin Auctions
Summer FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1257 6-7 & 9 Jul 2017
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High Relief Double Eagles
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS64 PCGS. CAC. Many Americans of the late 19th and early 20th century considered their regular circulating coinage distinctly uninspired and had felt that way for quite some time. By the end of the Seated Liberty period, which lasted more than 50 years, the public eagerly awaited something new and exciting. What they got was the Barber coinage of 1892. While the design was certainly new, it was not exactly a shining example of American artistry and sculptural prowess. The coins were described as "devoid of merit," and "no improvement whatever on the old coins" in Harper's Weekly (November 21, 1891). Not until late in 1907 did the American public have a new coin they could be proud of: Saint-Gaudens' High Relief double eagle. Unfortunately, Charles Barber, with whom Saint-Gaudens and a long-standing and contested relationship, reduced the relief of the large gold coins after 12,367 pieces were struck. This coin is among an elite group that remain true to Saint-Gaudens' original vision.
As might be expected, this delightful Choice specimen exhibits sharply detailed central design elements in bold sculptural relief. A thin wire rim, or fin, is present around the edge of the coin, caused by metal that was extruded through the narrow gap between the die and collar when this coin was struck (about 75% of High Relief double eagles show this feature). The well-preserved orange-gold surfaces are lustrous and appealing.
HID02901242017
1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS64 PCGS. CAC. Many Americans of the late 19th and early 20th century considered their regular circulating coinage distinctly uninspired and had felt that way for quite some time. By the end of the Seated Liberty period, which lasted more than 50 years, the public eagerly awaited something new and exciting. What they got was the Barber coinage of 1892. While the design was certainly new, it was not exactly a shining example of American artistry and sculptural prowess. The coins were described as "devoid of merit," and "no improvement whatever on the old coins" in Harper's Weekly (November 21, 1891). Not until late in 1907 did the American public have a new coin they could be proud of: Saint-Gaudens' High Relief double eagle. Unfortunately, Charles Barber, with whom Saint-Gaudens and a long-standing and contested relationship, reduced the relief of the large gold coins after 12,367 pieces were struck. This coin is among an elite group that remain true to Saint-Gaudens' original vision.
As might be expected, this delightful Choice specimen exhibits sharply detailed central design elements in bold sculptural relief. A thin wire rim, or fin, is present around the edge of the coin, caused by metal that was extruded through the narrow gap between the die and collar when this coin was struck (about 75% of High Relief double eagles show this feature). The well-preserved orange-gold surfaces are lustrous and appealing.
HID02901242017