1911 $2 1/2 PR68 NGC. JD-1....

Description

1911 Quarter Eagle, PR68
Perfect Preservation of Surfaces

1911 $2 1/2 PR68 NGC. JD-1. The background to the resumption of the matte proof finish for gold coins in 1911 tells a story that is a very different one from today about the power and influence collectors had with Mint personnel. When the matte finish was introduced in 1908 it took collectors by surprise, and Mint officials soon knew it. Attempting to placate collectors for the following two years the Mint used untreated planchets to strike proofs, but again, collectors did not like the finish (or lack thereof). At the 1910 ANA Convention collectors voted in favor of returning to the sandblast finish for gold proof coins, and the Philadelphia Mint acquiesced the following year. (Such a thing is unimaginable today.) The matte or sandblast finish returned in 1911; however, collectors still disliked the appearance and mintages declined until Mint officials stopped proof production altogether in 1916 (the previous year for gold).

There were 191 proof quarter eagles struck in 1911, all from one pair of dies. Proofs were struck in two batches: the first group of 150 pieces on May 20, a second lot of 41 proofs on December 9. Taken as a whole, the 1911 proof quarter eagles are much lighter in color than the previous sandblast proofs from 1908. John Dannreuther has an interesting theory about this that he published in his United States Proof Coins:

"Most seen are a mustard yellow color with a more sparkly surface, the result of a finer grain of sand. The author believes the coins were Satin Proofs before they were sandblasted, as we have found a few coins of various dates (1911-1915) that look like the 1909-1910 issues. They have been speculated to be unfinished Sandblast examples."

This particular example displays the expected lighter color with an even tinge of reddish patina across both sides. As one would expect from the grade, each side is free from any noticeable post-strike defects. The coin is essentially "as struck." This is a rare opportunity to acquire a sandblast proof that has been perfectly preserved over the past century. Census: 14 in 68, 0 finer (11/22).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 289K, PCGS# 7960, Greysheet# 8622)

Weight: 4.18 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

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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