|
Sale 74
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 1972
1909 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded Proof 67. Only 67 struck. Spectacular surfaces and color. Pop 3; 3 finer in 68. There were 67 Proof double eagles officially struck in 1909, which seems a happy surprise (to borrow a term that musicians sometimes use), since this is a lovely Proof 67 example! An interesting numismatic side note is referred to in David Akers' 1981 book on this series, and we quote in part: "In my 443 catalogue survey, the 1909 appeared more often in Proof than any other Saint-Gaudens double eagle. I have no explanation for this since it has been my experience that the 1909 is one of the rarest Proofs of this type. It is more rare than most of the Liberty Head Proofs after 1895. It is my opinion that no more than 20-25 Proofs of this date still exist." It would seem that 28 sales of Proofs in his survey might only be a statistical aberration representing a few coins offered over and over for some reason, and we would agree that 1909 Proof Saint-Gaudens double eagles are without a doubt much rarer than shown by the number recorded in his analysis. The joint population data from both PCGS and NGC also seems to support this, since the total number certified places the 1909 squarely in the middle of the census data of the eight dates in the series.
All Proof twenties struck this year have the Roman Gold finish of the matte Proofing process. As such, the coin has exceptionally bright, sparkling surfaces for a matte Proof. The colors have a pleasing rich yellow-gold hue, and we note a low knife-edge detail on the obverse and reverse motifs. Of the greatest rarity and importance (PCGS # 9206) .
Note: After criticism arose following release of the 1908 sandblast Proof double eagles, the Mint altered its procedure. It dropped the sandblast style, and introduced the satin finish in 1909 and 1910. The satin surface (Charles E. Barber called it "bright") was produced by fresh dies used in the Mint’s medal press. The surface is the result of buffing the hubs to remove cutting burs from the reducing lathe. The earlier (and later) sand-blast pieces were made by taking a satin Proof coin and lightly sandblasting it. The officials at the Philadelphia mint decided they could not make brilliant Proofs like those in the previous Liberty head series, and wanted something distinctive for collectors. After the sandblast in 1908 failed to satisfy, this lovely satin finish was tried.
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
|
| |
| Realized $117,875 |
|
