MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. Proof-64+ (NGC). This is a simply outstanding example of an issue that is universally regarded as one of the most beautiful ever produced in the United States Mint. Satin to softly frosted surfaces are further adorned with vivid golden wheat patina. Striking detail is razor sharp from the rims to the centers, the in hand appearance exceptionally smooth even for the assigned grade and suggestive of a full Gem Proof rating. Doubling on DOLLAR is reflective of the multiple strikes required to produce these masterful pieces of art. <p><p><p>While there is no federal record for the production of Proof MCMVII Saint-Gaudens double eagles of the High Relief design type, numismatists have long been recognizing select examples for superior characteristics. Walter Breen proposed several diagnostics to distinguish these Proofs from circulation strikes in his Encyclopedia (1988). These diagnostics include:<p><p>1 - Sharp inner borders on both the obverse and the reverse.<p><p>2 - Extremely sharp striking detail that extends to all of the olive berries and pillars in the Capitol Building on the obverse.<p><p>3 - Crisp, distinct ends to all feathers in the eagles tail at the right reverse border.<p><p>4 - Countless swirling die polish lines, or striations in the fields on both sides.<p><p>Specialist John Dannreuther, however, offers a compelling counterpoint to these suggestions in the latest research, published in his <em>United States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold </em>(2018). Dannreuther points out that all of the Saint-Gaudens High Relief double eagles were struck on the same coining presses and were all struck multiple times. This uniform method of production, he suggests, gives validity to the perspective that "they either all are Proofs or none are." Two separate edge collars were used throughout production but Dannreuther implies that they were employed indiscriminately. While this issue clearly demands further research, what is clear is that the present piece is a thoroughly wonderful representative of an iconic numismatic design. It is sure to be a crowning jewel in an advanced collection of 20th century U.S. Mint gold coinage.<p>
