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1922 S$1 MATTE PR66 NGC.From The Robert

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1922 S$1 MATTE PR66 NGC.From The Robert
<B>1922<img border='0' src='http://www.heritagecoins.com/images/star.gif' width=10 height=10>$1> Matte High Relief PR66 NGC.</B></I> High Relief Peace dollar business strikes were contemplated for 1922, just as they had been struck in 1921, but the difficulty in striking large numbers of such coins in high relief prevented any thoughts of mass production. However, a small number (probably no more than 12) High Relief proofs were struck of the 1922 Peace dollar in matte finish; perhaps 8-10 pieces are known today. This estimate is more or less consistent with the NGC and PCGS population figures, which show a total of 17 coins certified, some of which are likely resubmissions.<BR> David Bowers, in his <I>Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States,</B></I> points out that the 1922 Proof High Reliefs, while traditionally called "Matte Proofs," were: "In actuality... made with at least two different finish. The first is a dull, microscopically porous gray somewhat similar to Sandblast Proofs of the era. The second finish is a special silver-glaze surface quite unlike the Sandblast or Matte Proofs of the time."<BR> Below is a roster of 1922 High Relief Matte Proofs (some duplication and/or error may be present, but we feel the list is fairly comprehensive):<BR> The Mehl-Norweb Specimen, that sold in Heritage's April 2002 Signature Sale, lot 4354, where it realized $51,750.<BR> The Chase Manhattan Bank Money Museum to the Smithsonian; ex: Zerbe Specimen?<BR> The Rhodes Specimen, offered in Stack's sale of the Barker Collection, October 1986, lot 113.<BR> The RARCOA Specimen, which sold in Auction '84, lot 1793, and again in the Mid-American 1986 FUN Sale, lot 354.<BR> The Philadelphia Estate Specimen, which sold in Paramount's section of Auction '85, lot 1277.<BR> The Bowers and Ruddy Specimen that appeared in their sale of Four Memorable Collections, September 1985, lot 652.<BR> The Todd Impaired Proof Specimen, sold by RARCOA at the 1973 FUN auction.<BR> We could not conclusively match the PR66 example offered in the present lot to any of the sales above for which we had information (primarily plated auction catalogs). The surfaces are of the "silver-glaze" finish described by Bowers above, and display light silver-gray color with hints of underlying golden patina and numerous speckles and streaks of medium gray. An occasional whisper of powder-blue and olive-beige is also noted, particularly on the reverse. The design elements exhibit razor-sharp detail, with Liberty's hair showing incredible definition, as do the feather details of the eagle. These appear to stand out from the fields in a somewhat three-dimensional effect. Both sides, including the rims, are devoid of mentionable abrasions. Fine toning streaks on the cheek and in the left (facing) obverse fields should not be mistaken for pinscratches. This incredible High Relief specimen is sure to draw spirited bidding from Peace dollar collectors. Census: 4 in 66, 1 finer (2/06).<BR><I>From The Robert Moreno Registry Collection of Peace Dollars.</B></I>