LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Sept. Long Beach Signature Coin Auction  / 

3315

1909 $2 1/2 PR64 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:2,600.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1909 $2 1/2 PR64 NGC
<B>1909 $2 1/2 PR64 NGC.</B></I> The so-called "Roman Finish" proofs of 1909 and 1910 are widely misunderstood, almost a hundred years after their manufacture. The matte proofs that were released in 1908 proved unpopular, and the mint sought to appease the collecting public. In 1909 and 1910, instead of finishing the coins with a sandblast surface, they struck proofs with special dies on special planchets, but with no sandblasting after striking. In other words, from untreated planchets. The result was a product that was even more unpopular with contemporary collectors than the matte finish. Proofs from these years were easily confused with business strikes. The detail, of course, is profoundly sharper than seen on any business strike. Most Roman Finish proofs have a bright yellow-gold surface but some, like this coin, have taken on a deeper, reddish hue. The recesses of the design show a lovely, contrasting lilac color. The surfaces do not show any mentionable or even noticeable "shiny spots" or contact marks. A faint line encircles the rims, probably a result of ejection from the dies. The 1909 is the scarcest proof issue from the 1908-1915 series. Of the 139 pieces struck only 55-65 are believed known today in all grades.<BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> Bela Lyon Pratt<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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