An ultra high relief 1907 gold double eagle is expected to make $1.2m-1.5m in a sale of rare US coins at Bonhams New York on December 16.
The PCGS 58-graded specimen is one of only two to display san serif text, a feature that was discontinued in later strikes.
 Saint-Gaudens' design for the issue is considered the most beautiful of all US coins |
Sculptor and engraver Augustus Saint-Gaudens is responsible for the iconic look of the issue, widely touted as the most beautiful US coin ever made.
He was quite sure of his own abilities, writing in his autobiography: "With such an incentive [drawing classes at Cooper] I became a terrific worker, toiling every night until eleven o'clock after the class was over, in the conviction that in me another heaven-born genius had been given to the world.
"I can remember thinking in public conveyances, that if the men standing on the platform around me could realize how great a genius was rubbing elbows with them in the quiet-looking boy by their side, they would be profoundly impressed."
The present lot sold for $1.1m at Heritage Auctions in 2012.
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