1900 $1 Lafayette Dollar MS67 PCGS. CAC. DuVall 1-B....

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Spectacular 1900 Lafayette Dollar, Superb Gem
A Fabulous Condition Rarity

1900 $1 Lafayette Dollar MS67 PCGS. CAC. DuVall 1-B. A nationwide campaign by American schoolchildren raised $50,000 towards the construction of the a statue of Lafayette by Paul Wayland Bartlett, which was to be presented to France at the 1900 Paris Exposition. In 1899, Congress authorized 50,000 (plus 26 for assay) commemoratives to be struck to cover part of the statue's cost, but they had a difficult time selling the one dollar coins at $2 each. Many were later spent or melted. It is interesting that the engraver of the Lafayette dollar, Charles Barber -- who was not known for his modesty -- featured Bartlett's name quite prominently on the reverse below the statue. Anthony Swiatek and Walter Breen speculate that this was actually done by Barber to show his disapproval of Bartlett's design, and not as a concession by the engraver.

The present specimen is a superlative, awe-inspiring example of this popular, crown-sized early commemorative. Both sides are beautifully toned in a mix of sea-green, gunmetal-blue, gold, magenta, and crimson. The underlying surfaces exhibit vibrant, satiny luster that serves to highlight the powerfully impressed design elements. A careful inspection reveals only a few wispy grazes under magnification. The typical Lafayette dollar, an issue that was sold in great numbers to the noncollecting general public, is lightly circulated and often cleaned. Even a pleasing MS63 example can be difficult to find and would command a considerable premium. Superb Gem coins are of the utmost rarity and are cherished by serious commemorative collectors. Population: 5 in 67 (2 in 67+), 0 finer at either service (10/14).
Ex: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2004), lot 2233; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2008), lot 3414; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2008), lot 2528; Los Angeles Signature (Heritage, 8/2009), lot 1388.
From The Empire Collection.(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BYKW, PCGS# 9222, Greysheet# 10321)

Weight: 26.73 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

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