The population of 12367 for the 1907 High Relief Double Eagle is divided into two subtypes: Wire Rim and Flat Rim. The first 8,000 or so High Relief double eagles struck displayed a fin, or partial wire rim, and were considered flawed. The problem was addressed by Mint Director Leach. As explained by Roger Burdette in his Renaissance of American Coinage, 1905-1908:
“Efforts by Clark, Barber and others had resulted in almost complete elimination of the rim fin on the high relief coins and by December 20 Director Leach wrote to Barber, ‘I am more than delighted with the results you have obtained in preventing the fin.’ Much of the credit for improvement goes to Leach. He had tested changes in the milling of planchets in San Francisco before he came to Washington. He had also brought several pre-shaped planchets (Roberts’ ‘forming die’ idea) to Philadelphia for testing. The pre-shaped planchets worked no better than ordinary ones, but the pieces struck from differently milled planchets produced superior results.”
Adjustments were made to the last 4,000 coins struck, making the Flat Rim variety. This coin offered here is the Wire Edge. The beauty of this design is undeniable and a favorite among collectors. Bright golden orange surfaces are only outstaged by the meticulous artistic work from Augustus St. Gaudens.
PCGS Cert #06871685
PCGS / NGC Population: 279/76 Higher: 91/54
CAC Population: 23/14
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