|
Sale 53
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 1351
1907 $10 Indian. Wire rim, periods. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Lovely golden toning. A coin that should be sent back for regrade. Only 500 minted. As we have commented before, the year 1907 was a defining moment in American numismatics. Tossed out were several 19th century coin designs that had served their purpose. President "Teddy" Roosevelt -- considered a madman by many of his opponents as well as some of his admirers -- spearheaded the revolution by forcing the Mint to refurbish its coinage standards. This was an era when the Executive branch was flexing its muscles. America's brand-new navy, christened the Great White Fleet went steaming around the world on its grand tour in a sort of chest-pounding exercise. Regardless of one's opinion of nationalism, whether it be all mighty or all foolhardy, Theodore Roosevelt led the troops in this American numismatic "awakening." The elegant Wire Edge Ten Dollar Indian pieces by Augustus Saint-Gaudens are one of the more visible aspects of his modernization program, and should be cherished as others cherish artifacts from prior, historic openings.
A problem-free coin is what we offer in this lot, one bursting with life, vivid, and warm orange-golden in appearance. What's more, the surfaces acquit themselves nicely in terms of the fewness of marks, absence of hairlines, spots or other detriment. Such, then, for luster. Turning to the other key factor, a coin that is desirable with this meticulous strike on the fancy feather work of the bonnet as well as the more subdued yet still sharp-looking modernist features of the standing eagle. The eagle clasps in its talons an olive branch of peace along with a bundle of arrows (the latter signifying preparedness for war). Readers will notice the absence of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the 1907 issue. This was done at the request (demand?) of President Roosevelt, who said it bordered on blasphemy to include the name of the Deity on the nation's coinage. (Congress later rescinded this order.) A rare and handsome example of the early version of Augustus Saint-Gaudens masterpiece. Pop 106; 69 finer; 50 in 65; 16 in 66; 3 in 67. (PCGS # 8850) .
Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000.
The Mark Gordon Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $42,550 |
|
