2485

1910 $20 PR65 NGC. 1910[$20] PR65 NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1910 $20 PR65 NGC. 1910[$20] PR65 NGC.
<B>1910<$20> PR65 NGC.</B></I> After the Mint was roundly criticized in 1908 when it instituted the matte proofing process, an attempt was made to placate collectors. The result was what became known as the "Roman Gold" finish. These proofs were struck multiple times on a medal press with special dies and using special planchets. The result was dramatically different from the 1908 proofs. The surfaces are bright, as the coins were not sandblasted, yet they do not have the mirrored finish seen on proofs produced before 1908. And it was this earlier, frosted finish that collectors yearned for. A resolution passed at the 1910 ANA reads in part: "...the present style of gold Proof is far inferior to that showing the frosted finish." This same resolution also speaks to the similarity of the Roman Gold finish with that of business strikes: "With the frosted finish a most artistic effort is produced, throwing the design to the eye in a most attractive way, and provides the collector with a superior coin for cabinet purposes and at the same time one which cannot possibly be confused with the coin struck for circulation."<BR> A suspiciously high number of proofs were struck in 1910 with an official mintage of 167 pieces. From the number of survivors extant today, it appears that either the mintage is incorrect, or a large number of proofs were never sold and melted at year's end. Earlier estimates of the number of survivors have ranged from 20-25 coins to 35 to 45 pieces. We believe that somewhere around 70 individual coins are known today. This number is based in part on our experience in handling proof gold as well as the number of submissions to the grading services minus resubmissions.<BR> This piece has an unusually bright appearance, even for a Roman Gold coin. The surfaces, of course, lack any granularity, but the fields have a rippled, orange-peel effect that is reminiscent of proofs struck 20-30 years before. At the PR65 level, only a few other 1910 twenties can equal or rival this magnificent coin. There are no obvious defects on either side. The only marks of note are a couple of tiny contact marks on the fold near the top of Liberty's garment, and a minute nick or planchet flake on one of the tail feathers of the eagle. Bright yellow-gold coloration.<BR><I>From The Alexander Collection.</B></I> <BR><BR><B>Importa