1909 ST. GAUDENS $20 PCGS PR65

GEM ROMAN FINISH SATIN PROOF. ONLY 67 STRUCK.Due to public dissatisfaction with the dark matte coins delivered in 1908, the Philadelphia Mint adopted a radically different finish for the proof Double Eagles struck in 1909 and 1910. These issues are characterized by brighter surfaces whose texture is a blend of satin and semi-brilliant features. The most widely accepted name for this finish is Roman Gold, although some numismatists still refer to these pieces as Satin proofs.The original mintage for the 1909 is 67 pieces. Although the Mint undoubtedly had high hopes for the new Roman Gold finish, sales proved almost as disappointing as they had been for the proof 1908 Motto delivery. Those examples that failed to find willing buyers by year's end were destroyed, and we believe that no more than 25-35 proof 1909 Double Eagles have survived to the present day. It is generally accepted that the 1909 is the fourth rarest of the proof Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle issues that the Mint sold to collectors.