1907 Double Eagle Pattern - J-1914, Plain Edge

Coin Details

Description

Judd-1914 is a plain edge double eagle pattern from 1907, struck in a business-strike format without the proof finish found on most other Saint-Gaudens experimental strikings. The plain edge — lacking the E PLURIBUS UNUM lettering that would appear on production coins — combined with the business-strike finish indicates this piece was produced to evaluate how the design would appear under normal production conditions rather than the carefully controlled proof striking process. The absence of a proof designation in the title indicates this coin was struck with a single blow at standard pressure, without the multiple strikes and specially prepared dies used for proof coinage. This distinction is significant because the primary challenge of the Saint-Gaudens design was achieving adequate detail at production speed and pressure. The obverse features Saint-Gaudens' striding Liberty and the reverse his eagle in flight, but the sharpness of detail on a business strike reveals how the design would actually appear in commerce — the ultimate test of any coin design's viability. Plain edge strikings may represent an early stage of production testing before edge collars were prepared.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). Business-strike format patterns from 1907 are extremely scarce, with most specimens preserved in institutional collections.

Cross References

Judd J-1914, Pollock P-2104