Lot 1023
1867 $10 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 64. Here is a genuine rare early proof gold coin. The devices are piled high with mint frost, and the mirror fields are well preserved for the grade, and we wonder why this one was not designated a cameo proof. We note a few faint hairlines, expected and always seen on early proof gold such as this. Remarkably, 50 were coined back in 1867 for collectors, but where are they today? PCGS for all its years of grading has seen 2 of these, just 2. This coin at the top as PR-64, and another way below as PR-55 (being mishandled or spent!). NGC has seen a total of 4 pieces, 2 as PF-64, one as PF-65 and one more at the top as PF-66. Obviously, there aren't 50 out there awaiting to come out of the woodwork! This particular one can be identified by a thin line below TE of TEN, and a tiny short lint mark off to the right from the top berry on the branch.
A foremost rarity in proof, and a rare production date as well, 1867 eagles are just a rare bird any way you cook them. An opportunity for the advanced numismatist.
Breen enumerated those known as follows:
1). Mint, Smithsonian
2). Brock, Morgan, ANS
3). Boyd, WGC, J.F. Bell, "Memorable":566
4). Atwater:1445, Possibly same as next
5). Ullmer:491, $15,000 Possibly same as 3) or 4)
6). Clapp, Eliasberg:727, $17,600, RARCOA session of Auction '85:457: $17,600 Superior's 1/86:3208, $18,150
7). N.M. Kaufman:879, $7,500, tiny rim nick obverse
8). Garrett 3/76:417, $10,000, Essex Numismatic Properties, Trompeter collection.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
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| Realized $37,950 |
