1908 Double Eagle Pattern - J-1924

Coin Details

Auction Record

$10,800 PO1 04-29-2018 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-1924 is a 1908 double eagle pattern continuing the refinement of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' design in the year following its landmark debut. After the dramatic 1907 experimental program that produced the ultra-high relief and various edge lettering variants, the Mint continued to evaluate modifications to the double eagle design in 1908. By this time, the production version had settled on the lower-relief Arabic numerals format with edge lettering, but additional pattern strikings explored potential improvements or alternatives. The obverse carries Saint-Gaudens' striding Liberty with torch and olive branch, and the reverse displays the soaring eagle above a radiant sun. The 1908 patterns represent a more mature phase of the design program, after the initial artistic disputes between Saint-Gaudens (who died in August 1907) and Chief Engraver Barber had been resolved through practical necessity. These post-debut patterns may reflect proposed modifications to relief, rim height, field contour, or other technical specifications aimed at improving die life and striking quality in the high-volume production environment.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). Post-debut Saint-Gaudens double eagle patterns from 1908 are very scarce, with most known examples in institutional or advanced private collections.

Cross References

Judd J-1924, Pollock P-2114