Lot 1283
1907 $10 Indian. Rounded rim, periods. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. A stunning gem specimen with virtually immaculate satiny smooth surfaces throughout. The rich golden sunset mint bloom colors further adds to its beauty. Definately a Premium Quality coin that deserves an even higher grade. Net mintage 42 pieces.
The great rarity of the 1907 Rolled Edge With Periods $10 gold pieces can be ascribed to a decision made by Director of the Mint Frank Leach. In a letter from Superintendent of the Mint John H. Landis to Leach dated September 25, 1907, Landis says that examples of both this design and the adopted 1907 No Periods design were supplied to Leach and that the No Periods design was more suitable for a circulating coin. The problem with the Rolled Edge With Periods design was felt to be a lack of fine detail and sharpness. The pronounced rolled edge also gave it poorer stacking abilities than the broader edge of the No Periods design. In this same letter, Landis noted that "we have on hand $315,000 of the first model (this 1907 Rolled Edge With Periods design), struck on the coining press, and $500, struck on the medal press." This would seem to imply a total of 31,550 pieces. It is uncertain whether more were made; however, it is believed that nearly all were melted per the wishes of Leach, save for 42 pieces, and mass production of the No Periods design began shortly thereafter.
This is an utterly breathtaking, bold Gem Mint State specimen. The surfaces are smooth as silk in their sheen. Furthermore, we can find nary a distracting spot or serious abrasion on either side. Fully lustrous with a frosted texture to the finish, all areas appear as sharply defined as possible for the issue. As stated, lovely, thick mint frost covers each side while magnification reveals a few small swirling die polishing marks, like the Wire Rim tens only to a lesser degree. The warm colors are immensely pleasing. A tiny, well concealed obverse nick at the top of the feather that ends in T of LIBERTY should help maintain the provenance of this important 20th gold rarity. Above the L of PLURIBUS is a small surface void, possibly a flake of metal (as made). The 1907 Rolled Edge coin has pretty much vanished from auction offerings in recent times, and it may be years before it surfaces again, if indeed it ever does. Pop 16; 14 in 66, 3 in 67 (PCGS # 8851) .
Estimated Value $225,000 - 250,000.
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| Realized $230,000 |
