1896 $10, DCAM PR(PCGS#98836)

The January 2012 Americana Sale

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

10675

等级

PR64+*

价格

199,586

详细说明

1896 Liberty Eagle. Proof-64+ Deep Cameo (PCGS). Among the many impressive and significant consignments to this sale is a trio of proof 1896 gold coins, half eagle through double eagle. Each of the coins is deeply cameoed in finish with beautiful surfaces to complement the numismatic rarity of these issues. The present lot features the eagle from this consignment -- a dreamy near-Gem with fully impressed, thickly frosted devices that appear to float atop deep pools of reflectivity in the fields. The latter areas also reveal the finely textured "orange peel" finish that discerning proof gold collectors find so appealing, which feature is best appreciated with the aid of both a loupe and a strong, direct light source. Even such careful scrutiny of the surfaces, however, fails to call forth a singularly distracting or otherwise significant mark. Both sides are bathed in lovely medium gold patina, although in true deep cameo fashion the fields appear to "go black" as the coin turns away from a light. Attractive in all regards, and destined for inclusion in another advanced collection.<br /> It is an indication of the awesome rarity of classic U.S. Mint proof gold coinage that the 1896 eagle has one of the highest mintages of the type even though a mere 78 coins were struck. The rate of survival for this issue is not as great as it was for later issues of the type such as the 1898 and 1899, and the 1896 is a good bit rarer than even those highly elusive dates. The number of coins extant, in fact, is on the order of only 40 or so specimens, per PCGS and PCGS Coin Facts, and most of the survivors that have passed through the hands of this cataloger (Jeff Ambio) over the years are neither as technically sound nor aesthetically appealing as the present example.