Lot 1285
1910. NGC graded Proof 64. Untoned and well struck. Mintages expanded in 1910 to 682, nevertheless, not many have been found in choice Proof 64 quality. This is certainly one of a select group which is among the most attractive Roman Finish dates (1909-10). No signs of handling marks and the surfaces are quite well preserved. The only faint disturbance would be a couple of nearly invisible hairlines, mostly in the fields. Don't expect to find a better one without some hard searching and an expanded rare coin budget, as this is a really beautiful, and choice coin. Perfectly struck and a visual masterpiece of Bella Lyon Pratt's incuse design. Pop 32; 69 finer (PCGS # 7959) .
Historic note: After criticism arose following release of the 1908 sandblast Proof gold coins, the Mint altered its procedure. It dropped the sandblast style, and introduced the satin finish in 1909 and 1910. The satin surface (Charles E. Barber called it "bright") was produced by fresh dies used in the Mint's medal press. The surface is the result of buffing the hubs to remove cutting burs from the reducing lathe. The 1908 and 1911-15 sandblast pieces were made by taking a satin Proof coin and lightly sandblasting it. We call these "matte Proofs" today. The officials at the Philadelphia mint decided they could not make brilliant Proofs like those in the previous Liberty head series, and wanted something distinctive for collectors. After the sandblast in 1908 failed to satisfy, this satin finish was tried, but shortly thereafter, the sandblast technique was once again put into use.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000.
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| Realized $13,513 |
