Source: http://www.ocregister.com/news/coin-361549-contursi-beach.html
Steve Contursi, President of Rare Coin Wholesalers, paid $2.76 million Friday for a 1907 gold coin that experts have called the most beautiful in U.S. currency. The coin, known as a double eagle, was designed at the turn of the century by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens after a request from President Theodore Roosevelt to bring more beauty into American coin design, Contursi said. Reminiscent of ancient Greek coins, its reverse features an eagle and its front the classical figure of Miss Liberty.
"It's just a very compelling portrait," he said.
The coin stands out for its ultra-high relief, and only 20 of this type are known to exist. The coin's figures are so raised from the rest of its surface, it could not be easily stacked.
"It almost looks like Miss Liberty is jumping out of the coin," he said.
Shortly after, the U.S. lowered the relief, and flatter versions of the design were produced into the 1930s.
The 1907 version of the coin is also notable for not including "In God we trust." After a public outcry, future editions of the coin included the motto. Even of the few 1907 double eagles in existence, the coin stands out. Santa Ana-based Professional Coin Grading Service rated it at 69 out of 70, the highest grade of any of its type. David Hall, cofounder of the service, said it was one of the most important coins the company had ever graded.
Contursi plans to exhibit the coin in Philadelphia at the World's Fair of Money in August, and the piece will be on display in California at the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo Sept. 6-8. In the past, Contursi has arranged public tours for other pieces in his collection.
"I feel it's an obligation when you're a custodian of such great American treasures," he said.