1906 Barber 1-oz Gold Pattern Double Eagle NGC Gem Proof

One of the Biggest "What Ifs" in Numismatic History!

This commemorative one-ounce gold proof is struck to the exact design of U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber's submission for the design of the 1907 Gold Double Eagle. As you may know, famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and his remarkable design was chosen. Charles Barber's pattern was completed in the fall of 1906, and the only known pattern piece resides in the Smithsonian Institution®. Why wasn't Barber's pattern destroyed as it likely should have been? We may never know. However, had Barber's design been chosen, we might be talking about $20 "Barbers" instead of $20 "Saints."

This pattern piece was hidden from the public for years -- in fact, no one outside an elite U.S. Mint circle even knew it existed. It remained tucked away in an unknown location until it was later secured by the Smithsonian where it remains to this day. In order to celebrate this significant chapter in America's numismatic history, the Smithsonian has officially authorized this 1906 One-Ounce 99.9% Gold $20 Barber Proof. Each is authenticated by Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC), achieving the grade of Ultra Cameo (UC) Gem Proof. This special-edition proof comes in a luxurious wood case and includes the fascinating story of this magnificent proof. Because of our special relationship with the Smithsonian, you can't get these coins anywhere else!