1379

1908 $10 Indian NGC PF66 [L#1379

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:32,500.00 USD Estimated At:50,000.00 - 75,000.00 USD
1908 $10 Indian NGC PF66 [L#1379
The year 1908 was a historic one for the Treasury Department's Mint. It was the first year proofs were struck featuring the new Saint-Gaudens "Indian" design, and it was also the first year the Mint adopted the new sand blast proofing process that 21st century collectors like to refer to as "matte proof.". The new designs were a hit with collectors of the day and have remained so over the years. However, the matte proofing process was not very popular, and in fact, was complained about by contemporary collectors.

There were 116 proof 1908 Eagles struck, and all but two have the distinctive dark finish, somewhere between a khaki and an olive color, it varies from one coin to another. It is widely recognized that the 1908 is the most "affordable" date in the group of matte proof Ten Indians. However, the number available for purchase is not as large as one might at first suppose. Not only did wear and tear take a heavy toll on this date, but the uneven distribution among non-collectors caused many of the surviving proofs of this date to be mishandled, a significant number show nicks or scratches. We believe a fair population for this date is somewhere in the range of 40-55 coins.

This is a near flawless strike of Saint-Gaudens' design in Proof. Fully detailed in all areas, the sand blast finish throws off myriad tiny sparkling facets that spread light in a helter-skelter manner rather than uniformly as on the earlier mirror Proof Liberty heads. Best of all, we find no post-striking impairments on this wonderful coin! (NGC holder #1664941-007.)