Finding Best of the Mint 5 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief $20 Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here’s what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

As a roll hunter who has spent years sifting through junk rolls, estate distributions, and bulk lot acquisitions, I’ve developed an eye for opportunities that most collectors overlook. The modern numismatic landscape throws some remarkable cherry-picking possibilities our way — and the Best of the Mint #5 release, featuring the 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief $20 Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set (Item #26BM5), is one of the most compelling targets to watch in the secondary market right now.

With a mintage limit of just 15,000 units, this one-ounce .9999 fine gold commemorative struck at 30.61mm is already generating buzz among collectors pursuing the full Best of the Mint series. But for those of us who don’t buy straight from the Mint, the real hunt begins after initial distribution. Here’s my comprehensive guide to finding, evaluating, and cherry-picking this issue and its varieties in the wild.

The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Legacy: Why This Coin Matters

From Concept to Controversy: The Original High Relief Double Eagle

The story of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most fascinating chapters in American numismatics. President Theodore Roosevelt personally commissioned legendary sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign America’s gold coinage in 1905. What resulted was a masterpiece — and a production nightmare.

The original High Relief design required nine blows of the press to achieve full detail at the mint. The coin measured approximately 34mm in diameter and contained roughly .97 ounces of gold along with a small amount of copper in the 90% gold / 10% copper alloy. The Mint ultimately modified the design to a Normal Relief version for commerce. But the High Relief originals remain among the most coveted American gold coins ever struck.

In my experience grading and examining these historic pieces, the original HR Double Eagle commands prices well into six and seven figures depending on grade. The BOM #5 release pays tribute to that iconic design — and understanding the original is essential for any cherry picker evaluating the modern issue.

How the Modern Tribute Differs from the Original

The Best of the Mint #5 coin is not a restrike of the 1907. It’s a semiquincentennial tribute. And the differences matter for authentication and value assessment:

• Diameter: 30.61mm (versus the original’s ~34mm)
• Weight: 31.1 grams (one troy ounce of .9999 fine gold, versus the original’s ~33.4g of 90% gold)
• Metal Composition: 99.99% gold versus the original’s 90% gold / 10% copper
• Relief Depth: High Relief (Roman Numeral designation), but adapted for modern minting capabilities
• Edge Lettering: Present in two positions — Position A and Position B

The roughly 10% reduction in diameter from the original stems directly from the weight differential. As one collector noted in forum discussions, the original’s ~33.4g of gold versus the modern coin’s 31.1g accounts for the proportional size reduction. The Mint chose to maintain depth in the relief rather than create a thinner coin. That’s a reasonable design compromise — though many collectors, myself included, would have preferred an exact dimensional replica.

Cherry Picking Varieties: Position A and Position B Edge Lettering

Why Two Positions Create Two Collectibles

Here’s where the roll hunter’s eyes light up. The BOM #5 coin features edge lettering that appears in two distinct positions on the coin — designated Position A and Position B. To complete the full set, a collector needs both variants. This immediately creates a two-coin requirement from what looks on the surface like a single-issue purchase.

In my experience, this is exactly the kind of rare variety that gets missed in bulk transactions. When a collector breaks apart a Best of the Mint set to fund other pursuits, or when an estate liquidator doesn’t understand the significance of the two edge lettering positions, one of the variants can slip through at melt value or near it. That’s your opportunity.

How to Identify the Varieties

When examining coins in bulk lots or at estate sales, here’s what to check:

1. Edge Lettering Position: Hold the coin at a raking light angle. The edge lettering will align differently between Position A and Position B. Compare side by side if possible.
2. Mint Packaging: Original boxes and certificates may indicate which position is included. Some packaging may be generic — don’t assume.
3. The Silver Medal: Each set includes a companion silver medal. The medal design on BOM #5 has drawn mixed reactions from collectors. Some find it appealing; others have expressed dissatisfaction. The medal alone may not carry significant premium, but it’s part of the complete set and affects overall eye appeal.

Where to Hunt: Estate Sales, Bulk Lots, and Secondary Markets

Estate Sales and Collection Breakups

Estate sales represent one of the richest hunting grounds for modern commemoratives with numismatic value. The Best of the Mint series has attracted a dedicated following, and I’ve seen firsthand how quickly collections get assembled — and then later dispersed. Here are the scenarios to watch for:

• Deceased collectors’ inventories: Many serious numismatists build impressive modern coin cabinets over decades. When these collections hit the market, heirs often lack knowledge of their true worth and sell at significantly below-market prices.
• Failed collection goals: Forum discussions reveal that some collectors aimed for a “box of 20” semi-quincentennial issues but couldn’t complete the full run. These partial sets often get broken apart and sold individually — sometimes at spot gold plus a small premium. That’s a cherry picker’s dream.
• Incomplete sets: Collectors who purchased BOM #1, #4, and #5 but skipped #2 and #3 may look to liquidate what they have. A BOM #5 coin in this context might trade at a discount simply to close out shelf space.

Bulk Lots and Group Breaks

Online auction platforms and numismatic group break communities occasionally feature Best of the Mint lots. The key is knowing what you’re looking at before you bid:

• Melt value baseline: At one troy ounce of .9999 gold, the baseline value tracks spot gold. Any price near spot should raise your collector’s antennae — that’s a buying opportunity.
• Premium expectations: With a 15,000 mintage limit, expect secondary premiums of at least 10–25% over spot in the near term, potentially more if demand exceeds supply.
• Lot composition: Look for lots that include the full set (coin plus silver medal plus original packaging). Original boxes and certificates add authenticity and resale value, boosting the coin’s overall collectibility.

Buyer’s Club and Direct Purchase Dynamics

Forum chatter reveals that buyer’s clubs and bots can impact availability at the Mint level. If you’re not purchasing directly from the United States Mint during the initial release window, your primary market is the secondary scene. Pricing discussions in the community suggest that some collectors paid significant premiums over spot — which means there’s room for negotiation later when the initial hype cools.

Key Grading Markers and Authentication Points

What to Examine in the Field

I’ve examined hundreds of modern commemoratives in non-professional settings. There are specific markers I check before committing to a purchase. For BOM #5, prioritize the following:

1. Strike Quality: The High Relief design should show full, sharp detail on Liberty’s head, the eagle, and the mottoes. Look for any softness in the high points that might indicate a weak strike.
2. Surface Preservation: Check for contact marks, hairlines, and environmental damage. One troy ounce of .9999 gold is relatively soft — even uncirculated examples can show handling marks. Natural patina can add character, but harsh toning is a red flag.
3. Edge Lettering Clarity: Confirm whether the coin is Position A or Position B. Ensure the edge lettering is fully legible and not worn or filled.
4. Original Luster: A quality example should display the bright, cartwheel luster typical of fresh .9999 gold. Toning is generally a negative for modern gold unless it’s natural and attractive.
5. Packaging Integrity: Original Mint boxes, capsules, and certificates dramatically aid in future resale. A coin without its original packaging loses a measurable premium.

Authentication Red Flags

While the U.S. Mint’s products are rarely counterfeited in the traditional sense, be wary of the following:

• Altered dates or mint marks: Though unlikely on a Mint product, always verify the date reads “1907” and the denomination “$20” are original.
• Resurfaced or cleaned coins: Chemical cleaning removes original luster. If the surface looks artificially bright or has an unnatural texture, pass.
• Mismatched edge lettering: If a seller claims Position A but the lettering matches Position B, you’re either being misled or the seller doesn’t understand the distinction. Either way, walk away or clarify.
• Missing silver medal: Some sellers may offer the gold coin without the companion medal. Confirm what’s included before purchasing.

Strategic Considerations for the Roll Hunter

Timing the Market

One of the most valuable lessons from the BOM series discussions is the role of timing. The Best of the Mint #4 release saw availability fluctuate wildly — from 15,000 loaded initially to just 2,395 remaining at one point, with rapid sell-outs. The #5 release followed a similar pattern with 15,000 mintage initially loaded, then adjusted based on pre-orders.

In my experience, the secondary market for these coins tends to peak in the first 60–90 days after release, then settle. For cherry pickers, the sweet spot is typically 4–8 months post-release, when early buyers who paid premiums may become motivated sellers. That’s when the best deals appear.

Building a Completion Set vs. Singles Strategy

The forum reveals an interesting dynamic: many collectors are pursuing the entire Best of the Mint series (currently five releases, with more potential additions). This creates a built-in demand floor for each individual issue. If you find a BOM #5 at a reasonable premium, consider that there are collectors out there trying to complete their sets — they’ll be your buyers.

Key strategic considerations:

• Position A and Position B: If you can acquire both positions at a single lot price, you’ve found a true cherry pick. Most casual buyers won’t realize they need both.
• Paired with BOM #4 (1804): Multiple forum participants mentioned wanting the 1804 and Saint-Gaudens as a pair. If you can source both, the combined lot carries narrative provenance and strong collector appeal.
• Watch for “must-have” upgrades: Collectors who bought BOM #1, #4, and #5 from the Mint may later seek higher-grade examples from the secondary market for their “display” or “registry” sets.

The Semiquincentennial Factor

These coins are part of the United States Semiquincentennial celebration (250th anniversary of American independence). The U.S. Mint has an obligation to produce numismatic products tied to this milestone, and the Best of the Mint series is one of its flagship programs. This institutional backing provides a level of long-term demand support that purely speculative modern coins lack.

Additionally, the series’ focus on iconic American coin designs — the 1804 Dollar, the 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief, and others — ties each release to deep numismatic history. That provenance narrative enhances collectibility across generations and gives each issue a story that sells itself.

Conclusion: The Cherry Picker’s Take on BOM #5

The Best of the Mint #5 — 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief $20 Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set represents a compelling target for roll hunters, cherry pickers, and serious collectors alike. With a 15,000-coin mintage, one troy ounce of .9999 gold, and a design that pays homage to one of the most beautiful American coins ever struck, this issue carries both intrinsic metal value and collector premium potential.

The dual edge lettering positions (Position A and Position B) create an automatic variety market — and an ideal cherry-picking scenario for those who know what to look for. The relatively modest mintage means that total market supply will never be enormous, yet the coin’s bullion content provides a safety net against catastrophic value loss.

For those hunting in estate sales, bulk lots, and secondary markets, my advice is this: know your varieties, verify your packaging, and time your purchases wisely. The collectors who complete full Best of the Mint sets — or who specifically need the Saint-Gaudens to round out their series — will provide ready demand. And for those of us who appreciate the historical significance of the 1907 High Relief design itself, this modern tribute offers an accessible entry point into one of numismatics’ most storied designs.

At the current pace of the series and the ongoing interest in the semiquincentennial, I expect BOM #5 to remain an actively traded issue for years to come. Keep your eyes open, and happy hunting.

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