Lot 1430
1910 $2.50 Indian. NGC graded Proof 66. A magnificent golden-orange French satin finish matte proof gem. Only 682 proofs made of which the majority went unsold and were later melted. The 1910 date is the second in the Roman Gold or Satin Finish Proofing process for gold Proofs as introduced in 1909. Yet this year is exceeded in rarity only by the 1909 and 1915. Estimates are 100-125 may actually exist today. Full golden color is seen in every area with no indication of toning, and surely no sign of copper stains. Most Proof Indian quarter eagle dates exhibit the darker "matte" or sand-blast surfaces. Collector complaints about this matte finish in 1908, described in Roger Burdette's research on the gold designs of 1907 and 1908, resulted in the Roman finish, which is brighter and less granular in texture. The nature of the Saint-Gaudens and Bela Lyon Pratt designs prohibited the mint from offering them with the mirror finish on the previous Liberty gold Proofs. Pop 27; 17 finer (PCGS # 7959) .
Anecdote: In 1910, Theodore Roosevelt became the first (former) president to ride in an airplane. (Now they cannot seem to keep our jet-setting Chief Executives out of airplanes!).
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
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| Realized $35,650 |
