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| Name: |
1908 G$10 Motto. Matte Proof |
| Description: |
One of the finest examples of this coveted design to survive, and a coin which any
numismatist will long appreciate. The color is the expected seasoned mustard color, with
the matte surface evenly applied from field to device. During the striking process the
dies created millions of tiny facets on the surface of the coin, facets which randomly
reflect the light. At first glance the color and surface are muted and dull when compared
to a reflective business strike example. Upon study the seductive color and pristine
surfaces of these Matte Proof coins wins over the numismatist with their regal beauty. The
Philadelphia Mint coined a mere 116 pieces to represent this new design with the Motto
added to the reverse, apparently the highwater mark for Proof production for the series
(the 1910 reported mintage of 204 is almost certainly incorrect as the number to survive
is between those of the 1909 or 1911 Proofs each with fewer than 100 coined). Numismatists
in 1908 didn't know what to make of these unusual Matte Proofs, and orders slipped while
complaints rose. New experimental Proof surfaces were adopted including the "Roman
Finish" in 1909 to appease buyers looking for brighter proof coins. Sales of Proof
gold were never exactly robust, and these precious coins remain some of the rarest and
most desirable of all coins in American numismatics. The present coin is tied with six
other examples as the finest seen of this date by PCGS. For identification there is a
faint shadowy speck to the upper left of the first S in STATES, another above the final A
of AMERICA. |
| Price: |
$74,750.00 (2007-06-20) |
| Original page: |
http://www.stacks.com/lotdetail.aspx?lri
d=AN00061870
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