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Auction 1182 | Lot 3980 » Eagles » Liberty Eagles
1879 $10 PR65 Cameo NGC.
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Feb 10, 2013

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Auction 394 | Lot 3546 » Eagles » Liberty Eagles
1879 $10 PR65 Cameo NGC. Proof gold coins from the 1860s and 1870s have uniformly low mintages that range from 20 to 45 pieces and, of course, all are rare. Assuming a 50% survival rate, most dates have only 10-20 coins at most that are extant today as recognizable proofs. The 1879 is another of those rare dates, and while not as well known as the 1877 and 1878, the 1879 is just as elusive. Only 30 proof tens were struck, and it is reliably estimated that today no more than 10-12 individual coins are known. This lovely cameo is tied for the finest certified with one other Cameo and one non-Cameo coin (assuming the other Cameo is not a resubmission of this piece). Altogether, only nine Cameo and non-Cameo coins have been certified by the two major services (11/05). As with all proofs of this date, the hair curls behind Liberty's head are detached by excessive die polishing and seem to "float" in back of the neck. Further evidence of this heavy die polishing can also be seen on the detached left end of the scroll, bright spots below the second T in TRUST, and an attenuated top of the second vertical shield line. The surfaces have rich orange-gold coloration and the fields are deeply mirrored with a significant amount of mint frost over the devices. This noticeable mint frost, when combined with the depth of mirrors on each side, produces an impressive cameo contrast on each side. Close examination with a magnifier shows a few very light hairlines, but these do not impair the overall appearance or Gem quality of this important 19th century gold coin.
From The Clausen Family Collection.
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Auction 1171 | Lot 5164 » Eagles » Liberty Eagles
1879 $10 PR65 Cameo NGC.
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Jun 3, 2012

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Sold For: $51,750.00
Auction 422 | Lot 3659 » Eagles » Liberty Eagles
1879 $10 PR65 Cameo NGC. Researching auction records for the 1879 proof Liberty eagle is quite instructive. Only nine auction appearances are recorded for the issue, within the past thirteen years, and five of these are apparently for the same coin, a PCGS example graded at PR64 (non-cameo). While not as well known as the 1877 and 1878, the 1879 proof Liberty eagle is just as elusive. Only 30 specimens were struck, and today no more than 10 to 12 individual coins are known. This lovely Gem is tied for the finest certified with one other Cameo and one non-Cameo coin (assuming the other Cameo is not a resubmission of this piece). Altogether, only 10 Cameo and non-Cameo coins have been certified by the two major services. As with all proofs of this date, the hair curls behind Liberty's head are detached by excessive die polishing and seem to "float" in back of the neck. Further evidence of this heavy die polishing can also be seen on the detached left end of the scroll, and below the second T in TRUST. The surfaces display lovely honey-gold coloration and the fields are deeply mirrored with a significant amount of mint frost over the devices; this produces impressive cameo contrast on each side. Close examination with a magnifier shows a few very light hairlines, but these do not impair the overall appearance or Gem quality of this important 19th century gold coin. Census: 2 in 65 Cameo, 0 finer (11/06).
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Auction 422 | Lot 3772 » Eagles » Liberty Eagles
1879 $10 PR64 Cameo PCGS. We believe that exactly eight proof 1879 eagles survive today, nearly all Choice or Gem proof quality, although one polished proof example appeared at auction over a decade ago. It is possible, but doubtful, that the population could increase to 10 coins. In addition to the present example, whose previous pedigree has not been established, we are aware of the following pieces:

PR64 Cameo. Smithsonian Institution.
Proof. American Numismatic Society.
PR64 PCGS. Stack's (10/1970), lot 955; Harry Bass Collection (Bowers and Merena, 10/1999), lot 1571
PR64 Cameo NGC. Garrett Collection (acquired directly from the Philadelphia Mint); Trompeter Collection.
PR64 Cameo NGC. Genaitis Collection (Heritage, 8/2001), lot 7946.
PR65 Cameo NGC. Heritage (1/2006), lot 3546.
PR60, polished. Bowers and Merena (5/1992), lot 1541.

Die lapping has caused the "floating curl" situation, with the curl hanging down behind the neck essentially detached at the top. Slight lapping of the reverse die is also evident, particularly at the left ribbon end. There are few other die characteristics to attribute this piece as a proof, although it clearly is an unmistakable proof. It is not as highly lustrous as some of the smaller denominations, yet the devices still retain exceptional mint frost with brilliant yellow-gold devices and impressive mirrored fields. Although a few faint hairlines are visible on each side, a tiny lilac toning spot in the right obverse field may be the only visible pedigree marker. Unlike the smaller denomination gold proofs of this date, eagles and double eagles are extremely rare with deep cameo contrast, and may not exist for this denomination.

Little has been written about this issue over the years, despite its extreme rarity. Walter Breen wrote in his Proof Encyclopedia: "Exceedingly rare, seldom offered. Survivors number about 10." David Akers had little more to say in his Auction Analysis of the
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