1908 $2 1/2 PR66+ PCGS. CAC....

Description

1908 Indian Quarter Eagle, PR66+
First Year for Sandblast Proofs

1908 $2 1/2 PR66+ PCGS. CAC. With the new coinage designs of 1907 and 1908, the mint recognized these coins could not be produced by the conventional brilliant proofing method. Their solution was to sandblast the coins, producing a matte surface; a finish that had been applied to some mint medals for decades. So, at least the mint must be given credit for recognizing the inherent design problem and its incompatibility with normal minting techniques, as well as reaching for a solution that would be applicable to the design. However, the mint's main customers for proofs were coin collectors, and collectors were generally not familiar with the matte proofing technique or appearance. The result was general dislike by the collecting community and dwindling sales for proof gold until the final year in 1915. But in 1908 this was still an unknown, and collectors as well as mint personnel began the year with high hopes. There were 236 proof quarter eagles produced, and it is estimated that 100 to 120 pieces are extant today. The sandblast surfaces on this piece show more reddish patina than often seen on 1908 proof gold, which usually tends more toward a deeper khaki-brown. The surfaces on each side are remarkably free from contact marks or shiny spots, reinforcing the Plus and CAC designation of this exceptional piece of proof gold. This coin is part of a complete 1908 proof set, with the other coins offered in neighboring lots in the catalog. Population: 19 in 66 (3 in 66+), 8 finer. CAC: 6 in 66, 2 finer (1/20).
From The Stunning 1908 Proof Set. (Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 289G, PCGS# 7957, GSID# 8619)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 4.18 grams
AGW: 0.12095oz
Mintage: 236

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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