Canada: Victoria 10 Cents 1893 Flat Top 3,...

Description

Victoria 10 Cents 1893 Flat Top 3, KM3, MS67 PCGS. With 1893 10 Cents coins, the choice is between rare and rarer. The Round Top 3 is definitely the rarer of the two variants, as well as one of the keys to the Canadian series. But the Flat Top 3 is an overlooked issue. The net mintage was recorded as 500,000 pieces, and that number was achieved using 10 obverse dies and nine reverse dies. Obviously attrition took a heavy toll. To date (7/09), PCGS has certified 29 pieces ranging from VG to MS67, including the present coin which is the sole finest certified. One die pair of Flat Top 3 dimes shows light repunching on the 18 in the date and dramatic repunching on the 9; this was noted on both the Norweb and Pittman coins. This particular piece is obviously from a different die pair, as it shows no trace of such repunching.

The Flat Top 1893 10 Cents is an issue that would be valued even more highly if it were not in the shadows of the Round Top 3. We estimate that 100-120 pieces are known of both varieties combined, of which the Flat Top 3 comprises of perhaps two-thirds of the population, and the Round Top 3 one-third. If there are only twice as many Flat Top 3s as Round Tops, then the Flat Top is truly underrated--the Round Top coins are 10 times more expensive in Mint State, and even more so in circulated grades.

The surfaces on this finest-certified piece are clearly original. Each side shows areas of interspersed brilliance and russet toning. The striking details are strong throughout, with full definition on the reverse leaves. Two tiny, near-undetectable marks serve as pedigree identifiers, both are located at the top of the hair below the TI in GRATIA.
From the Canadiana Collection

More information about Canadian Coins. See also: Canada World Coin Nationality.

View Certification Details from PCGS