Lot 1369
1908 $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. NGC graded Proof 67. Only 101 proofs struck. (Again, don't be confused, the thin brown parallel lines you see crossing the obverse of the photograph are from scratches on the NGC holder. The coin is absolutely pristine.) The sandblast Proofing process was introduced from Europe, and it certainly created quite a stir among collectors of American coins. Not being as worldly as Europeans, American collectors never really "got it." Mint employees could see how the process worked and appreciated the multi-faceted sandblast finish imparted to the coins, but that appreciation never translated to the collecting public. The Mint did attempt to placate collectors for two years, in 1909 and 1910, by striking the brighter "Roman Finish" proofs, but officials abandoned that experiment in 1911 and returned to the Proofing process they previously used for 1908. The sandblast process continued through 1915, but diminishing mintages told the story: the public uninterested in something new that they didn't want. Mirror Proofs, due to the newfangled way the Saint-Gaudens pieces were designed, weren't an option. Yet today, these lovely sandblast (or Matte) proof coins are an acclaimed by most wealthier buyers. Beginning collectors, who cannot afford a 1908 Matte Proof anyway, rarely appreciate them. But look at the photographs (if you aren't able to see the coin in person) and study its fine detail and the absolute perfection of the fields and devices. What a beautiful thing this coin is! And worthy of a place in a museum-level estate or rare coin collection. Pop 8; 2 in PF68.
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
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