1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Edge MS(PCGS#9135)

The Regency Auction 57

拍卖行

Legend Rare Coin Auctions

批号

432

等级

MS64+

价格

331,929

详细说明

Ex Blue Hill Collection, as noted on the insert. WOW! What an AMAZING GEM High Relief. One of the most beautiful and popular of all American Gold Coins, the 1907 High Relief is one of the most coveted. The origin story of this gorgeous type has often been told, beginning with the partnership between President Theodore Roosevelt and famed American sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens. The idea was to raise the artistic merit of all American coinage; he did not believe the coins then in circulation glorified the country properly. Tasking Saint Guadens to redesign every denomination, work commenced in 1906 and by 1907 dies were created. These first designs were the Ultra High Relief type, which proved quite difficult to produce. About two dozen Ultra High Reliefs were produced, before the mint director demanded the relief be lowered to allow for production for circulation. The models and dies were altered and the High Relief was created. Only 11,250 were struck, intended for circulation, but production again proved difficult. Two edge variants were struck, in an effort to improve "stacking." While the mint records do not differentiate the number of each variety struck, the Wire Edge seems to be more common in terms of Population data. In the meantime Saint Gaudens died of stomach cancer, and the mint officials altered the relief dramatically, changed the numerals in the date from Roman to Arabic. The present coin is oh so close to MS65 quality. Indeed, if this coin came to us in an MS65 holder we would not have flinched. After close inspection, we think all that kept PCGS from grading it a GEM is a tiny tick on the very high, thin wire rim. The devices are RAZOR sharp in definition and the color is totally original. The eye appeal is sensational in every way. PCGS 1131, NGC 404, CAC 158. There are 47 graded MS64+ at PCGS. We believe the Population data is greatly inflated from resubmissions, crossovers, upgrades, etc. Its been over four years since an example has sold in auction. A PCGS MS64 CAC example (not "+") sold in the 2022 ANA auction for $40,800 and the last MS65 CAC was graded by NGC that brought $66,000 in the 2021 ANA auction. We think the PCGS Price Guide value of $50,000 is on the mark for an exceptional example like this! Bound for an awesome collection, the bidding will be very strong for this one when it crosses the block. Cert. Number 84009304 PCGS # 9135