1908 $10 Roman Finish PR65 PCGS. CAC....

Description

1908 Ten Dollar Indian, PR65
Satin (Roman) Finish
Only Two Pieces Are Known

1908 $10 Roman Finish PR65 PCGS. CAC. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. The two known Roman Finish proof tens are such a mystery that little can be factually stated about these pieces other than what the coins themselves tell us. Research is almost non-existent; however, what is known about two similar double eagles provides some of the background for the tens. What we do know is the Mint was experimenting and altering finishes on proof gold coins during the early years of production of Saint-Gaudens' new designs. Garrett-Guth state, " ... these satin finish coins were no doubt trial issues that have found their way into collectors' hands." Well, maybe. Leaning on the research done by Roger Burdette on the double eagles known of the same date and with the same finish, they might also have been "defective proofs produced while the medal department was striking the ... proof double eagles for 1908." By "defective proofs" he means non-sandblasted planchets. This is how all Satin Finish or the so-called Roman Finish proofs were produced. After the Mint heard from collectors about their disappointment with the 1908 sandblast proof finish, an attempt was made to appease them by striking proofs in 1909 and 1910 by not sandblasting each side. Which brings us back to our original question: Were the two known Satin Finish proof tens 1908 trial issues, or were they simply leftover proofs that were not sandblasted? John Dannreuther seems to support this position without coming to a definitive conclusion about whether these non-sandblast coins were intentional.

"The author and others believe that the satin surface seen on these coins was the pre-sandblast finish for all Matte Proof gold coins. This is impossible to prove, but in recent years, other dates have surfaced with what appears to be this finish. Some have speculated that a few coins were released without the sandblast finish for other dates besides 1908."

The surfaces are unusual, as one would expect for a 1908. Brightness is seen throughout with none of the pebbly finish that sandblasting would impart. There are essentially no surface marks one could use for pedigree identifiers; perhaps the only one is a tiny spot of red in the right reverse field above the eagle's tailfeathers. Fully struck, of course.

Roster of 1908 Satin Finish Tens
1. PR65 PCGS. CAC. Congressman Jimmy Hayes, 10/7/1972; Harry Bass, Jr.; Harry Bass Core Collection (#1034).
2. PR64 NGC. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts; ANA Sale (Stack's, 8/1976), lot 3151, where it brought $7,500; Ed Trompeter estate; private transaction sale to Heritage in 1998.
From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part III. (Registry values: P5)

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 98890)

Weight: 16.72 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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