Lot 1045
1900 Lafayette Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Nicely toned on both sides. A sparkling gem of the optimum quality for this actively collected denomination. Intense cartwheel luster blends effortlessly with lovely deep toning highlights on the satin surfaces. Devices are sharp in all areas, as struck, the Lafayette Dollar tends to be carefully made; it's just that afterwards collectors didn't handle them as judiciously as they should have. Mark-free gems such as this are desired by collectors, which the grading service has taken into consideration in assigning the MS65 grade. Potential bidders ought to think seriously of this matter before unleashing their bids! Pop 240; 85 finer; 80 in 66; 5 in 67. (PCGS # 9222) .
According to Bowers: "The Lafayette silver dollar was minted in one day, December 14, 1899, at the Philadelphia Mint, this being the 100th anniversary of the death of George Washington. When queried about pre-striking the coins, for it was not yet 1900, the date on the coin, the Mint took the position that the date did not represent the striking at all but, simply, observed the year that the Paris Exposition was held, this being noted on the reverse. By this logic the present coin is dateless. Such little sidelights are interesting in the collecting of the series."
America's first Commemorative Silver Dollar, the designs were by Charles E. Barber after an engraving of Houdon's bust of Washington. On the reverse, Barber depicted the Lafayette equestrian statue at the Paris Exposition of 1900. Lafayette Dollars were sold to defray part of the cost of completing Paul Wayland Bartlett's statue of the French General, then under construction in Paris for display at the exposition. Out of an authorization for 50,000 pieces, 36,000 were sold, the remainder being melted.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500.
The Mark Gordon Collection.
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| Realized $6,325 |
