LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

3287

1913-S $10 MS64 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:43,750.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1913-S $10 MS64 NGC
<B>1913-S $10 MS64 NGC.</B></I> This elusive issue was formerly the king of the Indian eagle series in Gem condition, but it has lately been dethroned by the 1911-D. OK, let us say queen, rather than king. The Garrett-Guth gold <I>Encyclopedia</B></I> says, "The 1913-S eagle was once the undisputed key to the series. Since the advent of certification, however, this premier condition rarity has been nudged out of top place by the 1911-D issue. In terms of absolute rarity, these dates are very similar, but a few more gem 1913-S coins have been certified." That statement is still true today, although in strict MS65 (not including higher-graded coins) condition, both NGC and PCGS have graded only three pieces each of the 1911-D and the 1913-S (12/07). But while there are also three 1913-S pieces graded finer--an MS66 at PCGS, and two MS67s at NGC--there are no finer coins than MS65 of the 1911-D at either service. Interestingly, in MS64 grade, that of the present example, those two services have actually graded more examples of the 1911-D than of the 1913-S, 26 pieces to 25.<BR><I> </B></I>Our auction records indicate that we have offered 274 examples (sometimes the same coin more than once) of the 1913-S since January 1993, yet only 11 of those pieces graded MS64. <BR><I> </B></I>In terms of eye appeal alone, this piece certainly would attain Gem status, as the surfaces are deeply patinated in rich orange-gold and amber-gold coloration, with beaming luster that is much more intense than usually seen on high-grade specimens. The strike is bold, although a touch of softness creeps in on the forward edge of the eagle's wing. A few light abrasions, neither distracting nor prevalent, appear to be the grade-limiting factor. Census: 12 in 64, 3 finer (12/07).<BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> Augustus Saint-Gaudens<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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