The 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief Double Eagle: A Cherry Picker’s Dream

Introduction: The Thrill of the Hunt

You don’t always need a dealer to find treasure. Sometimes the most extraordinary coins hide in plain sight, waiting for an eagle-eyed collector to recognize their true value. Today we’re diving into one of numismatics’ holy grails: the 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief Double Eagle, a coin so magnificent it changed American coinage forever.

Historical Significance: America’s Most Beautiful Coin

When President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to beautify American coinage in the early 1900s, he turned to renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The result was the 1907 High Relief Double Eagle, featuring Liberty striding forward with a torch and olive branch on the obverse, and a majestic eagle in flight on the reverse.

The high relief design was incredibly difficult to produce, requiring multiple strikes from the press. Only about 11,250 were minted before the design was modified to a lower relief for practical production purposes. This makes every 1907 High Relief a piece of American art history with exceptional numismatic value.

Understanding the Specimen Grade

The coin featured in our discussion is particularly special – it’s one of only 17 examples graded as a PCGS Specimen. This designation indicates the coin was struck with special care, often for presentation or testing purposes. Specimen coins typically show exceptional detail and mirror-like surfaces that distinguish them from regular business strikes.

The MS-61 grade suggests some imperfections, which could explain the uneven rim appearance noted by several forum members. This is actually quite common with these early specimens, as the high relief design made perfect metal flow to the edges challenging.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through rolls or bulk lots, here’s what to look for with 1907 High Relief Double Eagles:

• Date and Denomination: Look for “1907” with “TWENTY DOLLARS” on the reverse
• Designer’s Initials: “ASG” appears on the obverse, below the date
• Lettering Style: The Roman numeral date and lettering style is distinctive to 1907 issues
• Relief Height: High Relief coins show dramatically raised devices compared to later issues

Common Variations and What They Mean

The 1907 High Relief exists in several variations that can dramatically affect value:

• Wire Rim: A thin, raised wire-like edge that formed during striking
• Flat Rim: A more conventional edge, slightly less desirable to collectors
• Struck in: 90% gold, 10% copper alloy (just under a troy ounce of pure gold)

Where to Find These Treasures

While finding a Specimen-grade 1907 High Relief in circulation is virtually impossible today, savvy collectors still find incredible pieces through:

Circulation Searches

Modern roll hunting focuses more on finding silver content coins or error varieties, but occasionally pre-1933 gold coins still surface in estates or old collections.

Bulk Lots and Estate Sales

This is where the real opportunities exist. Many families inherit coin collections without understanding their value. Look for:

• Old coin albums or folders from the 1950s-1970s
• Mason jars or coffee cans filled with old coins
• Collections that haven’t been touched in decades

Cherry Picking Strategies

When examining potential specimens, use a good magnifier to check for:

• Exceptional strike quality and detail sharpness
• Original mint luster (not cleaned or polished surfaces)
• Any signs of mishandling or damage
• Proper weight (for gold coins, this is crucial)

Authentication Tips

The uneven rim mentioned in the forum discussion is actually a good reminder about authentication. High Relief Double Eagles often show:

“The rim looks awfully beaten up to me, but I do not know if that is normal for the issue.” – Forum Member

This observation is astute. The high relief design and multiple striking process could indeed result in irregular rims. However, any serious collector should always have rare coins authenticated by PCGS, NGC, or another reputable grading service before making significant purchases.

Current Market Values

While the Specimen 61 discussed here represents an exceptional example, even lower-grade 1907 High Reliefs command substantial premiums:

• MS-60 to MS-62: $15,000 – $25,000 (depending on variety and eye appeal)
• MS-63 to MS-64: $25,000 – $40,000
• MS-65 and above: $50,000+
• Specimen or Proof examples: $75,000 – $150,000+

Preservation and Care

If you’re fortunate enough to acquire one of these coins, proper storage is essential:

• Always use archival-quality holders or capsules
• Never clean gold coins – this destroys value
• Store in a cool, dry environment away from humidity
• Consider safe deposit box storage for high-value specimens

Conclusion: The Hunt Continues

The 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief Double Eagle represents the pinnacle of American numismatic art. While finding a Specimen-grade example in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime event, the thrill of the hunt keeps collectors searching through rolls, estate sales, and forgotten collections.

Remember the forum member who asked about deleting their post because they were the seller? That’s the kind of excitement these coins generate – they’re not just investments, they’re pieces of American history that connect us to the artistic and political ambitions of the early 20th century.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding what makes coins like the 1907 High Relief special will make you a better hunter. Keep your eyes open, learn the details, and who knows? You might just find your own piece of numismatic history waiting in an unexpected place.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Smart Buying Guide: How to Acquire One of Only 17 1907 Proof High Relief Double Eagles in PCGS Specimen Holder Without Getting Ripped Off – Historical Significance The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands as one of the most iconic designs in American numisma…
• Crafting with a Rare 1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens: A Coin Ring Artisan’s Perspective – Introduction: Not Every Coin Is Suitable for Crafting As a coin ring artisan, I’m often asked if I can transform r…
• Preserving the 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief Double Eagle: A Conservationist’s Guide – The Importance of Proper Preservation I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper cleaning or storage. H…