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Sale 74
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Lot 1980
1913 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded Proof 68. Only 58 struck. Pop 2; none finer at NGC . We cannot understate the visual allure and remarkable state of preservation of this incredible specimen. Pale golden orange surfaces are remarkably free of all but the most inconsequential of minor defects. In fact, the quality and freshness of this distinctive coin is akin to that found on modern U.S. Mint Sand Blast Proof issues (such as the 1994-P Matte Jefferson nickel and 1998-S Matte Kennedy half dollar).The strikingly low 58-piece Proof mintage for this date is the third lowest total Proof output for any date of With Motto Saint-Gaudens double eagles (the only lower mintages being 1915). Moreover, with only a single other known example of this date at the Proof-68 quality, it is quite clear that this very rare and extraordinarily high quality coin is easily one of the finest known (if not the finest known).
The U.S. Mint conducted unceasing testing with the surfaces of Proof gold coins from 1907 to 1915. In some cases, several different finishes were used within a single year. These ran the gamut from deep, dark matte or sandblast finishes to bright golden satin "Roman" finish somewhat akin to museum-quality FDC Ancient Roman aureii. As well, there were differing degrees of color and fineness of granulation on the sandblast pieces. After striking Roman finish Proof double eagles in 1909 and 1910, the Philadelphia Mint returned to the more European looking matte Proof surfaces in 1911 to 1915, similar to the 1908 With Motto matte Proof pieces. Matte Proof coins were all the rage at overseas mints of the time, but they proved to be confusing to many US collectors who were unfamiliar with the process.
The present piece has wonderfully consistent, fine-grained matte surfaces on both sides that are a light olive-gold color. For provenance purposes only, there are a few minute flyspeck like toning spots within the rays above "13" in the date. The strike is undeniably full. We detect no weakness on any part of the Capitol building, Liberty's head, or the rest of the design both obverse and reverse. As stated above, an extraordinary example that should attract the most observant buyers from around the world (PCGS # 9210) .
Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000.
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| Realized $120,750 |
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