1907 Double Eagle Pattern - J-1779a/1919, Brass

Coin Details

Description

Judd-1779a in brass is one of the most exotic strikings in the entire 1907 Saint-Gaudens double eagle pattern series — a specimen struck in brass rather than gold. This off-metal striking served multiple purposes: it allowed the Mint to test die performance and design clarity in a base metal without expending gold, and it created a distinctive trial piece that documents the die state at a specific point in the production sequence. The brass composition gives the coin a yellowish tone that approximates gold's color without its density or value, making it visually similar but physically distinct. The "a" suffix after J-1779 indicates a variant composition from the standard gold striking. Brass patterns from the Saint-Gaudens series are exceptionally rare, as most experimental strikings were made in the intended gold composition. The obverse carries the striding Liberty design and the reverse the soaring eagle, with the full sculptural detail of Saint-Gaudens' artistry rendered in this unconventional metal. This business-strike format piece (without proof designation) indicates it was struck as a technical test rather than a presentation piece.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (Extremely Rare). Off-metal brass strikings of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle are among the rarest forms of this celebrated design, unique or nearly so.

Cross References

Judd J-1779a, also PCGS P-1919