1909 $2 1/2 PR63 PCGS. CAC....

Description

1909 Indian Head Quarter Eagle, PR63
Rare Roman Finish

1909 $2 1/2 PR63 PCGS. CAC. The matte proof coinage of 1908 proved so unpopular that the Mint switched to a new finish in 1909. Called the Roman Finish, the coins were actually struck on unfinished planchets, resulting in brighter, more reflective surfaces than the 1908 issue. The Roman proofs possessed a kind of hybrid appearance, midway between the dark, granular matte surfaces and the brightly mirrored proofs of earlier years. Unfortunately, the innovation was not viewed as an improvement by collectors, and only 139 proof quarter eagles were minted in 1909. David Akers believes many of these were melted as unsold at the year's end, and only 74 specimens were actually released. In their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933, Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth state:

"This is far and away the most difficult issue to find in PF-64 or higher grades. For the collector, this is one of the three most difficult Proof issues to obtain in any grade, and perhaps it is the rarest overall."

The present coin is a pleasing example, with bright surfaces and a wire rim complete around both sides. A curious die break is noted from stars 3 through 6. Population: 19 in 63, 11 finer (11/09).(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 289H, PCGS# 7958, GSID# 8620)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 4.18 grams
AGW: 0.12095oz
Mintage: 139

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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