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1869 $10 PR65 PCGS. Harry Bass Collection. The 1869 pr

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1869 $10 PR65 PCGS. Harry Bass Collection. The 1869 pr
<B>1869<$10> PR65 PCGS.</B></I> Harry Bass Collection. The 1869 proof ten is extremely rare and seldom offered except in the sale of a major gold collection. Comparing the notes for diagnostics of proofs from Breen and Harry Bass, we come away scratching our heads wondering, what was Walter looking at? Harry Bass' notes about the diagnostic features are certainly accurate for this coin, and unless there was a second die used to strike the 25 proofs of this issue, Breen was confused. As noted in the Bass catalog, "Date logotype lightly into die, somewhat to the left, and ever so slightly high (with regard to the first digit). On the head of Miss Liberty some markers serve to identify the die, including a rust spot resembling a tiny earring beneath the lobe, and several scattered rust spots to the left of the lowest left curl."<BR> Of the 25 proofs struck, probably no more than 7-9 individual pieces are known today in all grades. This is certainly one of the finest. Only one other Gem has been certified, one PR66, and two PR66 Deep Cameo proofs. At this point we should pause and point out the thick mint frost on the devices of this piece and the resultant strong cameo contrast between the fields and devices. We certainly perceive this coin to be a Cameo, and perhaps even a Deep Cameo. The only 1869 sold in recent years was one of the Deep Cameo pieces in our November 2003 Auction. That coin brought $58,075, a figure this piece will likely eclipse.<BR> The surfaces are free from any noticeable or mentionable contact marks. Magnification reveals very few defects as well, just a few tiny lint marks scattered over the obverse which are typically found on proof gold of this era. Medium reddish-gold coloration is seen over each side of this impressive early piece of proof gold.<BR><I>Ex: Gaston DiBello Collection (Stack's, 5/70), lot 1078; Harry Bass II (Bowers and Merena, 10/99),