1914 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC).

1914 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC).，This handsome and expertly preserved Gem double eagle reveals the sandblast finish that the Mint used in production of Proof 1914 double eagles. Also evident is the deep honey-gold patina that characterizes this issue, one of the more boldly colored among Sandblast Proof Saint-Gaudens twenties. It is fully struck with exceptionally well preserved surfaces and is a highlight of the Vanderbilt Collection.<p>By 1914 the failure of the Mints Sandblast and Satin Proof gold series inaugurated in 1908 had become obvious. Yearly mintages were far in excess of demand as contemporary collectors never embraced these coins as they had the cameo and brilliant Proofs of the Liberty Head gold series. The penultimate issue in the Proof Saint-Gaudens double eagle series, 70 coins dated 1914 were produced, all of which were struck between September 28 and December 19. No more than two thirds of these coins seem to have been distributed, the balance of the mintage destroyed through melting in the Mint. Estimates on the number of survivors range from a low of 25 to 33 Proofs (Q. David Bowers, <em>A Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins</em>, 2004) to 40 to 45 Proofs (<em>PCGS CoinFacts</em>). Such totals confirm the 1914 as one of the rarest Proofs of its type. The present Gem is better preserved than most and is sure to please even the most discerning specialist.<p>，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from Heritages CSNS Signature Auction of April 2006, lot 4753; via Stacks.，