NNP

1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS64+ NGC. CAC. Often called the most beautiful American coin design, the Saint-Gaudens double eagle exhibited intricate treatment of the drapery and equal depth of the reverse design, rendering a three-dimensional appearance rarely seen on American coins before or since. Barbara Baxter writes in her chapter on "Coins and Medals" published in Augustus Saint-Gaudens 1848-1907, A Master of American Sculpture: {blockquote}Saint-Gaudens coins and medals set a new standard for American numismatic art, and the precedent that he established resulted in the commissioning of other professional artists, notably his former associates Bela Lyon Pratt, James Earle Fraser, and A.A. Weinman, to redesign other denominations of the coinage.{/blockquote} This example displays the intricate working on the drapery to full effect, giving the coin much of its three-dimensional appearance. High Reliefs were struck three times on a medal press from specially selected planchets. The surfaces show the usual bright satiny mint luster with just a touch of light reddish patina. Fully struck, of course. The accompanying envelope shows Eric Newman purchased this High Relief for $150. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15108, realized $36000. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.