Lot 1281
1903 $10 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 67. In NGC holder 1785864-010. A nice brilliant example. Boldly struck. Only 96 Proofs minted. The 1903 is very scarce when judged in the context of post-1900 Proof eagles. It is more difficult than the 1900, 1902, and 1904 and is almost always found in the "all brilliant" form. Akers estimates that no more than 25-30 specimens exist today, while Breen has a more liberal count of 35-40 Proofs. We tend to go with Akers' numbers since this is one of the few we have handled in a number of years.
The coin is a textbook lesson in how to tell an "all-brilliant, no-contrast" coin from the Proofing method developed in the Mint after 1900. There is little or no contrast between the fields and devices. The raised portions of the design exhibit as much die polish and brilliance as do the recesses. For pedigree purposes, a microscopic flyspeck the size of an amoeba is noted on the reverse between E and S of states. Look quickly and you'll miss it. This is tied with the finest example certified by NGC, and in fact, could be one and the same coin. Pop 2; none finer at NGC (PCGS # 8843) .
Estimated Value $65,000 - 70,000.
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| Realized $74,750 |
