1908-D $20 Motto (Regular Strike)

David Akers (1975/88): Until 1983, when a sizable hoard of several hundred pieces was discovered in Central America, the 1908-D With Motto was one of the series' most underrated issues and an issue that was very difficult to obtain in MS-63 or better condition. Now, the issue must be considered only scarce in MS-63 or lesser grade and even in MS-64 and MS-65 condition it is only moderately rare. Certainly there are many issues in the series that are much rarer in MS-65 than this one. Several superb (MS-67) quality pieces of this issue exist. The Eliasberg coin, now owned by Dr. Steven Duckor, is amazing, one of the nicest Saint-Gaudens double eagles of any date or mint I have seen. The Browning Collection held in trust in a Texas bank also contains a nearly perfect piece, and dealer Al Adams recently purchased another at auction that had been graded "MS-67" by PCGS. The Winner Delp Sale (1972) also contained an MS-67 or better example. Dr. Thaine Price's specimen is nearly in the class with the others, MS-65+ at least, and I have seen a few others of this quality.

Since the detail on the master hub was strengthened at the time the motto was added, the 1908-D With Motto appears to be much sharper and more defined on the obverse than the 1908-D No Motto. The typical 1908-D With Motto is very sharply struck with frosty but slightly granular surfaces. Lustre is generally very good, but usually a bit less vibrant than on the typical 1908-D No Motto. Color is usually greenish gold or orange or, on occasion, light to medium orange gold.