1908 $10 Motto PR66 PCGS. The 1907 No Motto eagles released into circulation reflected President Theodore Roosevelt's perso...

Description

Delectable Matte PR66 1908 With Motto Eagle

1908 $10 Motto PR66 PCGS. The 1907 No Motto eagles released into circulation reflected President Theodore Roosevelt's personal conviction that the name of the Deity should not appear on coinage. Those first eagles entering the channels of commerce were Mint Engraver Charles Barber's reworking of sculptor-designer Augustus Saint-Gaudens' original design concept. However, the Mint Act of 1865 mandated that the motto IN GOD WE TRUST should appear on all larger coins, and Congress insisted upon it. Acceding to the majority rule (and knowing where his bread was buttered), Roosevelt accordingly had the motto added to the 1908 eagles and double eagles. Other minor design tweaks were made, including making the first U in UNUM more prominent. Proofs of this year are apparently found in three different finishes: a dark-olive matte proof finish; a "Roman gold" finish with a light yellow satiny semibrilliant surface; and a satin finish. The Garrett-Guth Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933 notes that "The finish most commonly seen is a dark matte Proof finish, and of the 116 coins struck, this represents virtually all known examples. As a date, this is the most commonly available of the Proof issues."
This piece is definitely one of the dark-olive proofs. The surfaces are virtually flawless on the obverse. The only "defects" on the reverse are a series of light, diagonal specks of green (the origin of which we really cannot determine or even speculate about), and two tiny marks on the upper part of the eagle's wing.
The current online NGC Census Report enumerates two satin finish proofs, both graded PR64, alongside 64 survivors with the matte finish, ranging from PR62 to PR68. PCGS's online Population Report also lists two satin finish proofs, both graded PR64, along with 34 matte proofs. The present specimen, graded PR66 by PCGS, is one of seven so graded, with none finer (11/06). Both of those population totals for matte proofs include the inevitable resubmissions. As the most available proof issue in the finest obtainable grade, this wonderful coin would make an ideal acquisition for a high grade type set.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 268E, PCGS# 8890, GSID# 9776)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 16.72 grams
AGW: 0.48375oz
Mintage: 116

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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