Lot 1986
1903. PCGS graded Proof 64. Lovely rich golden toning. Only 158 minted. True to form, this lovely Proof 1903 Double Eagle exhibits stunning golden orange colors displayed on both sides. Hardly any hairlines. All 1903 Proofs are the same, stylistically. This particular date has the obverse field deeply basined, from the die-making process, adding more curvature than normal, and giving an especially interesting satiny accent to the devices. Likely an early strike since the mint often had to remove Proof dies from the press to given them renewed polish, some 1903 Proof issues will show a little break at the bridge of Liberty's nose from the method used to polish the die. This one has a full nose bridge, which indicates it must have come early in the production run. Every collector who contemplates buying a classic Proof Liberty $20 gold piece will want to check this 1903 $20 for its beauty as well as for the instructional experience. The present specimen combines classic 19th century coin design, conservative, formal, balanced, with attractiveness, rarity, and everything else desirable. Certainly it will be an exciting moment when the sale occurs. Pop 10; 2 finer in 65 (PCGS # 9119) .
The Year 1903: years before the illustrious Ford Model T automobile became the car d'jour, there was Ransom E. Olds. His 1901 to 1904 "Curved Dash" was the first mass-produced automobile, and was also the first American car to be exported. Oldsmobile set a land speed record of 54.38 mph at Daytona Beach in the 1903 Pirate. The 1903 Model R curved dash was the number one selling car in the United States, selling for $650 (or 32-1/2 double eagles -- do the math today to see how much that is). Ransom Olds left Oldsmobile in 1904. Oldsmobile advertising pointed out that keeping a horse cost its owner and estimated $108 a year, whereas the owner of an Oldsmobile spent an average of $35 per year in fuel and maintenance (slightly less than two double eagles).
Estimated Value $40,000 - 44,000.
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