LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 (ANA) Signature Coin Auction #444  / 

1947

1911 $5 PR66 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:33,750.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1911 $5 PR66 NGC
<B>1911 $5 PR66 NGC.</B></I> The quantity struck for the 1911 proof half eagle, 139 pieces, represents a steep drop from the record production of 250 proofs coined in 1910. While the overall impact of this decline was less than one might think, since the survival rate of 1910 pieces suggests that many were melted at the Mint, it remains notable, since it signifies a loss of popularity for proof gold from which it could not recover.<BR> The proof gold coinage from 1908 to 1915 reflects the continually evolving processes employed by the Mint. In an understatement, Garrett and Guth (2006) describe the time: "There was considerable experimentation with p roof finishes for the 1908 to 1915 half eagles." The coarse-grained, dark finish of 1908 gave way to the Roman gold, quasi-satiny texture of 1909 and 1910. In 1911, the year this specimen was coined, the Mint returned to the matte proof finish of 1908, though the grain was somewhat finer and the color lighter as a consequence. (Extremely rare matte proofs of 1909 and 1910 hint at ongoing experiments with the matte finish while Philadelphia struck the Roman gold pieces.) The trend toward a finer, lighter finish continued through 1913, though the specimens of 1914 and 1915 have a slightly darker and coarser appearance.<BR> This sharply struck Premium Gem showcases the fine granularity of the year's matte proofs. The tan-gold surfaces have a touch of peach color at the upper reverse periphery. While a faint, thin disturbance in the finish is visible just above the IN of IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse, the obverse is free of such flaws and could stake a claim to a finer grade on its own. A wonderful representative for the discerning collector of matte proof gold. Census: 17 in 66, 13 finer (6/07).<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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