1895 $10 PR65 PCGS. CAC (Gold Sticker)....

Description

1895 Liberty Head Eagle, PR65
Tied for Finest Certified Within the Designation
Bright Color, Good Contrast

1895 $10 PR65 PCGS. CAC (Gold Sticker). Only 56 Liberty Head eagles were struck in proof format in 1895, a small mintage even by 19th century proof standards. Walter Breen estimated "Under 30 survive, possibly under 25," while David Akers stated "Of the 56 specimens minted, perhaps 20-25 still exist." A search of auction records reveals this is only the fifth time Heritage has been privileged to handle a proof 1895 eagle in any grade, the third appearance at the Gem level. Certainly, coins in PR65 are very rare. Only seven specimens have been certified in PR65 by PCGS, with none finer; while NGC has not seen an example with this designation (11/09).
Proof coins were very popular with numismatists during the 19th century and the Mint's production standards were especially high in the 1890s. Collectors such as Virgil Brand made a standard practice of ordering multiple examples of favorite denominations every year. On February 16, 1895, Brand received a proof double eagle and eagle, two proof half eagles, 10 proof quarter eagles, 10 proof sets containing the cent through dollar, and 20 minor proof sets as part of his customary yearly order from the Mint. Brand placed an identical order in 1896. The popularity of proof sets continued until the advent of the matte proof era in 1908.
The gold CAC sticker confirms the exceptional quality of this specimen, backed by John Albanese's guarantee to purchase this coin at this grade level. The fields are mirrored and the devices are covered with rich mint frost, creating a strong, but unacknowledged, element of contrast on both sides. The reverse shows the orange-peel effect characteristic of many proofs of the era, but the effect is not evident on the obverse. The surfaces are bright yellow-gold, with the merest hint of red. The fields are free of significant distractions, although some flaws on the holder may be mistaken for handling marks. Overall eye appeal is outstanding.(Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28G2, PCGS# 8835, Greysheet# 9702)

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