1910 $5 PR66 PCGS. JD-1, R.4....

Description

1910 Indian Half Eagle, PR66
Attractive Satin Finish
Rarely Seen Finer

1910 $5 PR66 PCGS. JD-1, R.4. The 1910 Indian half eagle claims the largest proof mintage of the series, at a substantial 250 pieces. The coins were delivered in quarterly batches: 49 pieces on March 31, 98 coins on May 23, 65 examples on September 27, and 38 specimens on December 30. A single pair of dies was used to strike all the proofs. Despite the large mintage, the 1910 is not the most available Indian half eagle proof. John Dannreuther estimates only 80-90 examples are extant in all grades, making the 1910 slightly more elusive than the 1908, 1911, and 1912 issues. It seems likely that many of the proofs went unsold in 1910 and were melted after the end of the year.

Alternatively, it is possible that unsold proofs were simply released into circulation after the end of the year, saving the time and energy involved in recoinage. In his series reference on double eagles, Roger W. Burdette points out that the Satin, or Roman Gold, finish used on proofs in 1909 and 1910 was very similar to regular issue coinage. Exactly how the dies for the Satin finish proofs were prepared is unknown today, but John Dannreuther believes the coins were not altered in any way after they were struck on the medal press, unlike the sandblasted matte proofs from other years. Proofs released into circulation would appear to be high-quality business strikes, with unusually sharp strikes, to the general public. A short time in circulation would render them indistinguishable from regular issues. Although the attractive Satin finish is extremely popular with collectors today, it was not well-received by contemporary collectors, and the Mint switched back to the darker sandblast finish in 1911.

The present coin is a spectacular Premium Gem proof, with razor-sharp definition on all design elements. The impeccably preserved orange-gold surfaces show the brighter Satin finish of this issue to good advantage, with unbroken luster and terrific eye appeal. With only one example certified finer at PCGS, this coin will be a welcome addition to the finest collection or Registry Set. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 6 in 66, 1 finer (7/22).(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28E4, PCGS# 8541, GSID# 9334)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 8.36 grams
AGW: 0.24188oz
Mintage: 250

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