Lot 2330
1915 $2.50 Indian. NGC graded Proof 66. Popular key date Matte Proof. Well struck. A luminous gem of optimum quality for the grade: The luster is unbeatable, made up of myriad tiny diamond sparkles that form into a wonderful sand-blast overlay when viewed straight-on with the naked eye. As well, the strike is 100% full, crisp, detailed, being sharp as a razor in all areas of the design. A connoisseur's delight! 100 proofs struck. Pop 13; 6 finer; 5 in 67; 1 in 68. (PCGS # 7964) .
The obverse portrays Brule Lakota Chief Hollow Horn Bear, who had taken part in Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural parade, March 4, 1905. The Chief died March 15, 1913, age 54, at Providence Hospital, according to the notice in the April 1913 Numismatist, which misidentified him as the model for the 1899 $5 Silver Certificates. His true identity as Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt's model for the 1908-29 quarter eagles and half eagles only came to light at the 1988 ANA Convention. The raised flat fields of the new design meant that Proofs would have to be in one of the French matte finishes instead of the more traditional mirror look with cameo frosted devices. Proofs of 1908-15 were not as well received as the Liberty head Proofs last offered in 1907, especially because they were darker and duller than business strikes; many were mistakenly spent, others melted in 1916 as unsold. They are all quite scarce today in Gem condition.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
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| Realized $34,500 |
