Lot 1142
1900 Lafayette Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Pleasing natural toning with iridescence about the borders. A highly lustrous satiny gem with a nuance of various shades in the all-original toning on both sides. Struck from well-crafted dies that imported a deep, sharp texture to the imprint of President Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, especially at the centers. Remaining devices are bold as well. Legends crisp; rims free of impairment. A solid Gem Mint State 65 example for the connoisseur.
The Lafayette silver dollar was minted in one day, December 14, 1899, at the Philadelphia Mint, this being the 100th anniversary of the death of George Washington. When queried about pre-striking the coins, for it was not yet 1900, the date on the coin, the Mint took the position that the date did not represent the striking at all but, simply, observed the year that the Paris Exposition was held, this being noted on the reverse. By this logic the present coin is dateless. Such little nuances are interesting in the collecting of the series.
The 1900 Lafayette dollar is very unusual, indeed unique among coinage of its era, because the dies were made by hand not from a plaster cast to which a galvano was molded. The motifs were impressed on the obverse and reverse, and then by use of hand punches the dates and numerals were added around the border! This was in the old-style process generally in use in the 1830s and before! It was long obsolete by 1899. The reason for doing this is not apparent today. It could point to simple expediency. A number of die pairs were needed, and quickly. The normal hubbing and master die process was bypassed. Accordingly, this is the only commemorative coin that can be collected today by die variety! Pop 281; 100 finer (PCGS # 9222) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500.
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