Lot 1297
1914. NGC graded Proof 68 Cameo. Only 380 struck. A wonderful white gem proof coin. Wow is the first word that springs to mind when viewing this spectacularly original specimen. Each side exhibits a dramatic detail and mirror finish. The cameo effect is amplified by the brilliance and silvery glow. Even under the closest scrutiny with a magnifier, one fails to find any defects or post-striking problems. The design detail is absolutely full and crisp as expected on this obviously well made Proof. Of the 380 pieces made, this currently rests atop the pyramid with one other as the finest certified by NGC. Pop 2; none finer at NGC .
Money bought a lot in 1914. Henry Ford was the most important of the many individuals who formed early automobile manufacturing plants in America. He transformed the society into which he was born by an mixture of pioneering engineering and paternalistic management. Via assembly-line fabrication, Ford put what had up until then been a rich man's toy into the reach of the average working man. In 1909, the Ford Model T cost $950. By 1926, it cost only $290.
When Henry Ford announced in 1914 that he was raising the minimum pay at his plant to $5 a day and inaugurating the 8-hour day, it was headline news. He could have hired workers for only $2 a day. He claimed that he was motivated to pay $5 by social justice. It was also a way to make the cars Ford workers produced affordable for them. Aided by Henry Ford’s business acumen, by 1920, 26 percent of households owned automobiles; by 1930, 60 percent did.
Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000.
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| Realized $10,063 |
