Lot 1722
1913. PCGS graded Proof 66. Very choice example. Only 165 minted. Matte finish Proofs of 1913 had the color slightly darker than in 1912 on average, nearer to 1908's deeper sandblast look. When first struck, all Proof Indian Quarter Eagles (and other post-1907 designs) have a perfect bright satin finish. The next step was to select the right material for the sandblast process to give the coins their matte appearance. Each coin, like each snowflake, has individual characteristics. But annual averages tend to vary from light sandblast to deeper, darker hues with fine diamond-like sparkle in the field when a strong light strikes the surface. A gorgeous fresh and bright example, as crisp and lustrous as when first issued. Probably a good many are not as carefully struck as this piece, either, with every design feature needle-sharp including the unusual "outlined" look of the recessed-relief legends and numerals. A magnificent coin. An opportunity for the specialist. Pop 7; 2 finer, 1 in 66+, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 7962) .
Note: The obverse on these portrays Brule Lakota Chief Hollow Horn Bear, who had taken part in Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural parade, March 4, 1905. The Chief died March 15, 1913, age 54, at Providence Hospital, according to the notice in the April 1913 Numismatist, which misidentified him as the model for the 1899 $5 Silver Certificates. His true identity as Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt's model for the 1908 Quarter Eagles and half eagles first came to light in an exhibit in the 1988 ANA Convention; we have not yet learned who was the exhibitor. The raised flat fields of the new design meant that Proofs would have to be in one of the French matte finishes. Proofs (1908-15) were not as popular as the old-fashioned brilliant Proofs of former designs, especially because they were darker and duller than business strikes; many were mistakenly spent, others melted in 1916 as unsold. Today they are the creme de la creme of American gold rarities!
Estimated Value $30,000 - 33,000.
|
| |
| Realized $36,425 |
