1912 $10 PR66 PCGS. JD-1, R.5....

Description

1912 Ten Dollar Indian, PR66
Fine Sandblast Finish
Seldom Seen This Fine

1912 $10 PR66 PCGS. JD-1, R.5. Official Mint records indicate the Philadelphia Mint struck a generous production of 143 proof Indian eagles for collectors in 1912, with the coins all delivered on March 18. Unfortunately, the various Satin and sandblast finishes used on proofs of this era were not popular with contemporary numismatists, and only 83 of those coins were ever distributed. In his United States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold, John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 60 to 70 examples in all grades and notes:

"Fewer and fewer collectors ordered Proofs, as the dissatisfaction with the finishes led to the downturn in orders. This year and the following ones are more difficult to obtain, but only the 1914 and 1915 usually bring higher prices."

A substantial business-strike mintage of 405,00 pieces was also accomplished that year, so there was little pressure from date collectors on the small supply of proofs. A single pair of dies was used to strike all the proofs and a single die state is known. The sandblast finish on the 1912 proofs was applied with a different intensity and a finer grain of sand, resulting in a slightly darker finish than the proofs of 1911, with a more sparkly appearance.

The coin offered here is a spectacular Premium Gem proof, with sharply detailed design elements in most areas and just a touch of the usual softness on some of Liberty's curls. The mustard-orange surfaces are impeccably preserved, with strong matte luster and outstanding eye appeal. We expect intense competition from series specialists and advanced type collectors when this lot is called. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 7 in 66, 5 finer (11/23).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26YD, PCGS# 8894, Greysheet# 9780)

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS