Lot 2170
1910. NGC graded Proof 66. Only 250 proofs struck. Housed in a new NGC 3 pronged holder. Well struck with light golden toning. Beautiful color and blemish-free surfaces adorn this Roman Gold finish Proof. This finish allows gem specimens to display luster to its fullest and the present specimen definitely has outstanding luster on both sides. Even with strong magnification, no problems are visible. The same slick luster is interrupted by the grading service as warranting a Proof 66 label. As such, it is a superlative Proof gold rarity, much more so than the mintage figure would imply. With the highest mintage for Proof Indian Head half eagles (250 coins), one could be misled about the rarity of this issue. For reasons unknown, perhaps melting or excessive use, the 1910 is one of the scarcest Proofs in the series. Many years may lapse before the offering of another such true gem which is why we urge our clients to consider this when bidding. Pop 13; 10 finer, 1 in 66 Star, 2 in 67, 3 in 67 Star, 3 in 68, 1 in 68+ (PCGS # 8541) .
When Bela Lyon Pratt's new Indian head motif was launched upon the American waters in 1908, the public was surprised by the novel appearance. Never before in American numismatics had a coin designer broken with tradition in such a way as did Pratt. For what he did was to recess the design below the surface of the coin. Never mind the fact that his Half Eagles and Quarter Eagles are far more aesthetically astute than the long-running Liberty heads they replaced. Unlike his predecessors, Pratt chose to pay tribute to a real American Indian not some gussied-up Greek goddess wearing a feather bonnet. Because of this, his design helped to propel American coin design into the World Class league.
Estimated Value $34,000 - 36,000.
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| Realized $40,250 |
