Lot 1919
1903. NGC graded Proof 64. A dazzling, totally brilliant untoned Proof specimen and quite choice for the given grade. Although 158 were struck, Akers estimates the number of surviors between 25 and 30, making the 1903 rarer in Proof than the 1900, 1901 or 1902 and on par with the 1898 and 1899.
This resplendent near-Gem Proof has heavily reflective fields and motifs with choiceness beyond and above and below and throughout what you’d expect. All design details are sharply defined. They are struck as if the dies really meant it! A few wispy hairlines in the field only distract marginally from the overall eye appeal of this handsome double eagle. Both sides have wavy fields, often seen on Proof gold coinage during this and later years. (See our supplied note at the end of the description explaining how this comes about. Or, if you prefer, skip the end note and read until the finish of this paragraph before digging out your checkbook to confirm that you have funds enough to issue a suitable bid.) End of paragraph. Pop 7; none finer (PCGS # 9119) .
Historic Note: After the dies are hubbed and the date applied, the die is given multiple polishes with progressively finer and finer polish -- regardless of whether they are destined for regular production or for use in coining Proofs. The last polish given to the dies prior to being hardened gives the field a mirror surface. This is the deepest mirror attainable on the dies. When the die is hardened by heating, the metal shrinks slightly creating a wavy effect on the polished surfaces. Some say this looks like the surface of an orange. When you see orange peel on a Proof issue, such as this lovely 1903 Twenty, you can be sure that it is one of the freshest examples struck from those dies. Repolishing an already hardened set of dies will produce a flatter, more shallow mirror.
Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000.
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| Realized $37,950 |
