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Sale 78
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Lot 1710
1890. PCGS graded Proof 64 Deep Cameo. CAC Approved. A deep needle sharp strike with watery mirror surfaces. Only 93 Proofs minted. A delightful Proof that strains your eyes with its well frosted devices which show strong contrast against the deep orange peel mirror fields. Not only was this Proof quite properly struck (Proofs are given two blows by the dies using the Mint’s more powerful hydraulic press), but it also is very well preserved, a major plus. Near-gem level surfaces throughout, with no bothersome handling marks and only a few faint hairlines consistent with this choice Proof 64 grade.
During this decade, the Philadelphia Mint really excelled in creating some of the most beautiful Proof gold and silver coinage ever seen. On the gold coins in particular, the fields enjoy a peculiar orange peel surface, which is both reflective and textured at the same time. Much the same, the lettering and devices are well frosted by the dies. Creating these Proofs took many steps: first the hardened high quality steel dies are dipped in either a weak acid or lightly sandblasted. This process created the "frosted" devices seen, raised on the coin but in recess on the die; next the fields on the die are polished to a fine mirror-like finish, which gives the coins their unique reflectivity in the fields and contrast with the frosted devices. Only a few Proofs were made each year, and often the dies were later used for normal business strike coinage as an economy measure. Exactly how the orange peel surface arose was a mystery for many years until recent explanation was given by Mint authorities. Pop 1; 7 finer, 1 in 64+, 2 in 65, 3 in 66, 1 in 66+ (PCGS # 97916) .
Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000.
Ex: Purchased from Abner Kreisberg in the 1970's The Del Valle Collection.
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| Realized $17,038 |
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