The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part II

Highly Important Proof 1883 $10

Population: 12 to 15


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1599     1883 Proof-64 (PCGS). Attractive light gold with very pleasing surfaces. While 47 pieces were issued in Proof, it is believed that only a dozen or perhaps as many as 15 exist today, creating a great rarity and, in the present instance, a highly important opportunity.

PCGS Population: 5; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1097; earlier from Davis-Graves, April 1954, Lot 885.

Lustrous 1883-CC Eagle

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1600     1883-CC Tall Close mintmark. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with some prooflike reflectivity in the recessed areas. A rare and popular branch mint issue, one of only 12,000 examples of the date struck. Called "very rare above EF" by Walter Breen, a fact seemingly acknowledged by the PCGS Population Report.

PCGS Population: 4; 2 finer (MS-60 finest).

A pair of tiny die chips has caused some raised areas of metal between the dentils and the two innermost points of the last obverse star.

In his Encyclopedia, Walter Breen describes mintmark varieties for this date, loosely fitting them into broad categories of "Small wide CC" and "Tall close CC." We have given the 1883-CC eagles in this section careful scrutiny, and as a result, will make appropriate mintmark descriptions for each of the specimens offered here. However, Breen Encyclopedia numbers have not been assigned to these varieties, as none exactly match Breen’s descriptions. Here is an area that is wide open for numismatic research.

The mintmark on this specimen is centered in the field slightly higher than mid-point, with the first C over the left upright of the N in TEN, and with the second C above the right upright of the N. The mintmark letters are tilted slightly left, with the second C slightly higher than the first C. The bottommost tip of the feather is above a point midway between the two letters, which are less than a letter’s width apart. The overall size and spacing of the letters indicates that Breen would have classified this mintmark "Tall close CC."

Purchased from Douglas Weaver, August 30, 1973.

1601     1883-CC Tall Close mintmark. EF-45. An attractive example with somewhat prooflike surfaces.

Mintmark slightly left and at a point above midway in the field, and tilted slightly left, the second C slightly higher than the first C. First C above space between E and N, slightly more over N. Second C nearly over right upright of N. Point of arrow feather even with back of second C. Less than a letter’s space between the letters of the mintmark, one of Breen’s "Tall Close" mintmark varieties.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, July 28, 1969.

1602     1883-CC Small Wide mintmark. EF-45. A very attractive example with fully prooflike surfaces and unusual as such. A small scrape is noted in the reverse field near the eagle’s head. Another important opportunity to acquire an example of this popular Carson City eagle.

What is probably the remnants of an errant 8 is seen in the upper loop of the first 8 in the date.

Mintmark slightly above the halfway point in the field, first C tilted slightly left, and above space between E and N, mainly over N. Second C above right upright of N and partly over the field to the right of that letter. Point of feather mid-way between the mintmark letters, those slightly further apart than the width of one of those letters. This mintmark fits Breen’s "Small Wide" mintmark classification.

From N.K.S., April 4, 1968.

1603     1883-CC Tall Close mintmark. VF-35. Mellow medium gold. No serious marks or impairments.

Same mintmark style as Lot 1601. This is the variety Breen referred to as the Doubled Reverse die.

1604     1883-CC Tall Close mintmark. VF-35. Some traces of lustre remain. The tops of the letters of UNITED STATES OF are doubled.

Same mintmark style as Lot 1601.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2313.

1605     1883-CC Tall Close mintmark. VF-35. Mint lustre remains in the recesses. A final 1873-CC.

Same mintmark style as Lot 1600.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, October 7, 1968.

1606     1883-S AU-55. A lustrous and attractive example of this date. Breen notes that this date is "usually weakly struck," this sharply struck piece being an exception!

From Lester Merkin’s sale of April 1969, Lot 470.

1607     1883-S AU-55. A fully lustrous, well-struck specimen that is worthy of a substantial bid. Note that this coin also is an exception to the usual weak striking.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, November 26, 1969.

Landmark 1884 $10

Population: 8 to 10


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1608     1884 Proof-64 (PCGS). Lovely mellow gold over orange peel surfaces similar to the fields seen on Proof coins of the period. The present coin combines exquisite beauty, high grade, and extreme rarity. Walter Breen estimates that fewer than eight pieces survive. Of these, at least two are held by museums, and others are nicked and scratched. It might be that just three, four, or five equivalent quality pieces exist in all of numismatics!

PCGS Population: 9; none finer.

Purchased from Stack’s Garrett sale, March 1976, Lot 483.

"Canceled Die" 1884-CC $10

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1609     1884-CC Breen-7019. AU-55 (PCGS). Light greenish yellow gold with sharp design details and very minor abrasions. Considerable reflective lustre remains. The obverse has several raised lines on the bust of Liberty, these described by Breen under the classification of "canceled obverse." He was suggesting that the obverse die was cancelled by Mint workmen who tried to efface it (unsuccessfully) before it went to press. An interesting and valuable eagle, one for which there is a place in an advanced collection of Carson City coins.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2314.

1610     1884-CC Breen-7019. "Canceled obverse." EF-45. Same variety as the preceding. A very pleasing specimen with abundant mint lustre and problem-free surfaces.

Highly Important Proof 1885 $10

Incredible Rarity


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1611     1885 Proof-64 (PCGS). Lovely mellow gold over orange peel surfaces set off a lovely cameo effect. A splendid specimen which ranks as one of the finest of 15 to 18 remaining from an original production of 67 coins. Few museums or private collections can compete with the quality of the Bass Collection specimen. Another incredible opportunity, one that has been in just two cabinets since the time it was minted!

PCGS Population: 4; 1 finer (Proof-65).

From Stack’s Garrett sale, March 1976, Lot 489.

Cameo Proof 1886 $10 Rarity


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1612     1886 Proof-64 (PCGS). A beautiful piece, with frosted surfaces giving a cameo effect against deep mirror fields. Only 60 pieces were struck, probably no more than 30 were sold, and perhaps half that number or so can be traced today. Again we have a combination of exquisite beauty and aesthetic appeal, high grade, and significant rarity. A truly marvelous opportunity.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (Proof-65).

From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of April 1972, Lot 1278.

Gem Proof 1887 $10

Few Equals Anywhere


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1613     1887 Proof-65 (PCGS). Another lovely cameo Proof, one of fewer than 20 believed to survive from a mintage of 80. As related earlier in the present text, Proof eagles had a very high attrition rate, as they had no significant market value until over a half century past their striking dates!

Of those that survive today, few 1887 $10 pieces can equal the quality of the Bass Collection coin offered here. As such, a liberal bid is indicated. For those who are sensitive to "grading numbers," we reiterate that in our opinion PCGS has tended to be a bit conservative, and it may well the case that another grading service would be happy to add a higher number to its own holder (of course, calling a coin a specific higher grade does not make it one).

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1108.

1614     1887-S MS-62. A lustrous, well-struck example of an issue that seems to have been a part of overseas shipment, with the result that many pieces seen today are in such grades as AU and lower ranges of Mint State. Of course, to have peaks one must have valleys in contrast. Similarly, to build a solid foundation of collecting interest in rare $10 pieces one must have common issues that are easily acquired, these to provide a basic foundation and jumping-off spot. In such a category the 1877-S belongs.

Purchased from N.K.S., May 23, 1968.

Important Proof-64 1888 $10


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1615     1888 Proof-64 (PCGS). Lovely mellow gold over orange peel surfaces in the fields. The devices are frosty giving rise to the very desirable cameo effect. Perhaps 20 to 25 specimens survive. Another rare coin, another rare opportunity.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of May 1974, Lot 500.

1616     1888 AU-58. Somewhat subdued lustre.

From Superior’s sale of May 1973, Lot 752.

1617     1888-O MS-62. A lustrous, well-struck example that is at the high end of this grade. Mint lustre is complete and is very attractive. Three small copper spots are noted on the reverse. While plentiful in circulated grades this issue is extremely difficult to locate in Mint State. Here is an important purchase opportunity.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 18, 1972.

Marvelous Liberty Head
$10 Starter Collection

1618     A very nice starter collection of Liberty Head eagles of the later range of dates, commencing in 1888 and concluding in 1906, and along the way including many interesting dates and mints. All coins are of high quality, and are excellent examples of the designated grades. All have lustre, and most are brilliant. The higher the grade, the more the brilliance and the more the lustre, as might be expected. A lovely way to start a specialized collection, perhaps a foundation such as to which we alluded in our earlier description with Lot 1614. I 1888-O AU-58 I 1898 AU-58 I 1898-S EF-40 I 1899 MS-60 I 1899-O AU-55 I 1900 MS-60 I 1901 MS-60 I 1901-O AU-55 I 1901-S MS-61 I 1902 EF-45 I 1902-S MS-61 I 1903 AU-55 I 1903-O AU-58 I 1903-S AU-50 I 1904 AU-53 I 1904-O AU-58 I 1905 MS-62 I 1905-S AU-50, lightly cleaned I 1906 AU-58 I 1906-D MS-62 I 1906-O AU-58. Mostly brilliant and lustrous. All are attractive for the grade assigned. (Total: 21 pieces)

One Dozen Liberty Head Eagles

1619     One dozen Liberty Head eagles, all different dates and mints: I 1888-O AU-58 I 1889-S AU-50 I 1891-CC EF-40 I 1893 AU-58 I 1897 AU-50 I 1899-O EF-45 I 1901-S MS-60 I 1902-S MS-61 I 1906-D AU-55 I 1906-S EF-40 I 1907 AU-50, lightly brushed I 1907-D AU-58. Mostly brilliant with nice lustre. (Total: 12 pieces)

1620     1888-S MS-62. An attractive, lustrous specimen with greenish gold toning in the peripheries. While the 1888-S is plentiful in circulated grades it becomes more difficult to locate at this grade level.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of October 1968, Lot 948.

Memorable Proof 1889 $10

Extreme Rarity


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1621     1889 Proof-64 (PCGS). Lovely cameo Proof with very light yellow devices and deeper fields. A wonderful example for the date or type collector. Although 45 Proofs are said to have been minted, probably fewer than 20 were sold and it is doubtful if more than a dozen can be traced today. As is true of all Proofs of this era, some are in institutions, others are damaged or otherwise impaired. The number of pieces in the Bass Collection–a combination of high numerical grade with excellent aesthetic appeal–is very low. To these attributes can be added the fact that the 1889 eagle is rare as a date in any and all grades, business strikes being very elusive.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

1622     1889 AU-55. A delightful coin with lovely surfaces and traces of mint lustre showing through. Only 4,440 pieces were issued for circulation. This is one of the rarest Philadelphia business strike issues of the period. Only occasionally does a specimen come on the market.

Important Proof 1890 $10

Rare and Beautiful


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1623     1890 Proof-64 (PCGS). An interesting and desirable example of this rarity, one of the very finest known, when one considers the high numerical number plus the high aesthetic appeal, the last consideration being every bit as important as the number itself. It seems that many if not most gold Proofs of this era were handled very carelessly at the Mint–jostled around in drawers and nicked and marked–as, indeed, Walter Breen commented in his Proof coin Encyclopedia. Thus, by the time that the typical piece left the mint, it was probably closer to Proof-60 than to Proof-65!

Regarding the 1890, 63 pieces were said to have been struck, perhaps 30 or so were sold, and perhaps two dozen survive today. Most of these are of a quality far less than the piece offered here.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Under magnification it is revealed that the die for the portrait of Miss Liberty had been touched up before striking, leaving polished areas near the ear and eye. Most of the field below the portrait also has been polished in the die, and curls behind the neck are incomplete. This characteristic is true of all authentic Proofs and is mentioned simply as a point of interest (any "Proof" lacking these features is apt to be a fake!).

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1116.

1624     1890-CC AU-58. The obverse field has several light nicks and abrasions. The reverse is relatively free of these. A scarce issue with a mintage of only 17,500.

From Paramount’s sale of May 1966, Lot 613.

Glittering Gem Proof 1891 $10

The Eliasberg Coin


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1625     1891 Proof-65 (PCGS). A sparkling beauty that is certain to delight its new owner. The color is mellow gold and the fields are fully reflective. Perhaps 15 specimens survive out of a total original mintage of 48 pieces. Once again, high numerical grade plus exquisite aesthetic appeal come together to create a landmark offering.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

From our sale of the Eliasberg Collection, October 27, 1982, Lot 795.

1626     1891-CC MS-60. Repunched mintmark. Pleasing mint lustre.

1627     Pair of 1891-CC eagles grading AU-58. Both brilliant with mint lustre. (Total: 2 pieces)

Trio of AU Eagles

1628     Trio of 1891-CC eagles grading AU-55. All are brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 3 pieces)

Attractive 1892 Proof $10

Important Rarity


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1629     1892 Proof-64 (PCGS). Attractive light gold over fully brilliant surfaces. A pleasing specimen that will no doubt delight its new owner. From the original mintage of 72 specimens, it is believed that fewer than 30 survive today. As is the case with many if not most of these issues, quality coins are few and far between on the market today.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Marks Collection, November 9, 1971, Lot 1653.

Breathtaking Cameo Proof 1893 $10


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1630     1893 Proof-64 (PCGS). The frosted devices are accentuated by "black" fields. From a mintage of 55 pieces it is believed that fewer than 20 examples survive today. Take away pieces in museums as well as damaged coins and it is probably the case that fewer than 10 really nice examples are in private hands, of which this is one.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (Proof-65).

The die for the figure of Liberty has been polished near the ear and in the field beneath Miss Liberty, this being characteristic of all authentic issues.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3254.

1631     1893 MS-63. A lustrous example with light abrasions, particularly on the obverse. One of the most readily available dates in the series, an ideal type coin.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 765.

Large Selection of Liberty Head Eagles

1632     Large selection of 20 Liberty Head eagles, each a different date and mint: I 1893 AU-50 I 1894 AU-55 I 1894-O EF-45 I 1895 AU-50 I 1895-O AU-55 I 1897 AU-50 I 1897-O EF-45 I 1897-S AU-55 I 1899-O EF-40 I 1901-S VF-35, cleaned I 1902-S VF-35 I 1903-O AU-50 I 1905 AU-53 I 1905-S EF-40 I 1906 AU-50 I 1906-D AU-58 I 1906-S EF-45 I 1907 MS-62 I 1907-D AU-58 I 1907-S AU-50. This is the last issue in the Liberty Head series. Each with varying degrees of original mint lustre. Another marvelous opportunity to acquire a foundational collection of this interesting and somewhat elusive (compared to denominations higher and lower) denomination. (Total: 20 pieces)

1633     1893-CC EF-45. A pleasing example of the last Carson City $10 piece, a coin with excellent eye appeal. Only 14,000 coins were struck.

Purchased from Lester Merkin, January 22, 1968.

Attractive Liberty $10 Selection

1634     Selection of Liberty Head eagles, each a different date and mint: I 1893-O AU-58 I 1895-O AU-50 I 1897 VF-35 I 1897-O AU-50 I 1897-S VF-35 I 1899 AU-53 I 1899-O EF-40 I 1900 EF-40 I 1901 AU-55 I 1901-S MS-62 I 1902 AU-55 I 1903 EF-45 I 1903-O AU-53 I 1905 AU-53 I 1905-S EF-40 I 1906 AU-50 I 1906-D AU-58 I 1906-S EF-40 I 1907 MS-62 I 1907-D MS-62 I 1907-S AU-50. Most are brilliant with pleasing mint lustre. A very nice grouping which includes issues of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (Total: 21 pieces)

Twenty Different Liberty Head $10s

1635     Large grouping of Liberty Head eagles representing 20 different dates and mints: I 1893-O AU-55 I 1894 AU-58 I 1894-O AU-50 I 1895 AU-55 I 1895-O AU-55 I 1897 MS-60 I 1897-O AU-55 I 1897-S VF-35 I 1898 AU-58 I 1898-S EF-45 I 1899 MS-60 I 1899-O AU-55 I 1899-S AU-50 I 1900 MS-62 I 1901 MS-60 I 1901-O AU-58 I 1901-S MS-62 I 1902 AU-53 I 1902-S MS-62 I 1903 MS-62. Those AU and finer are brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 20 pieces)

Superb Gem Proof-66 1894 $10

A Numismatic Landmark


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1636     1894 Proof-66 (PCGS). This magnificent specimen is the crème de la crème of this issue, quite possibly exceeded by no other example from its mintage. Just 43 Proofs were struck, of which fewer than half survive. Even a Proof-63 coin would be a great attraction. The present coin, an "old friend" from the magnificent Fairfield Collection, now emerges after 22 years in hiding.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 6-8, 1977.

Grouping of Liberty Head Eagles

1637     Grouping of 20 different Liberty Head eagles, another very attractive selection that could well form the foundation for a specialized cabinet. I 1894 MS-60 I 1894-O AU-50 I 1895 AU-58 I 1895-O AU-55 I 1896 AU-58 I 1896-S VF-20 I 1897 MS-62 I 1897-O AU-58 I 1897-S AU-53 I 1898 MS-60 I 1898-S AU-55 I 1899 MS-62 I 1899-O AU-58 I 1899-S AU-50 I 1900 MS-62 I 1900-S AU-50, cleaned I 1901 MS-61 I 1901-O MS-60 I 1902-S EF-45 I 1906-D AU-55. Ever popular as the first Denver Mint issue. Mostly brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 20 pieces)

1638     1894-O AU-58. A lustrous example with reflective surfaces. A nice type coin.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of April 1969, Lot 493.

1639     1894-O AU-58. Fully lustrous and very attractive.

From Stack’s sale of the Alto Collection, December 1970, Lot 384.

1640     1894-S AU-53. Considerable lustre remains. Breen comments, "Extremely rare AU." Extremely rare this may be, but the market price is quite modest.

Purchased from Arnold Rosing, June 5, 1967.

Memorable Proof 1895 $10


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1641     1895 Proof-64 (PCGS). A glittering cameo Proof, a splendid specimen from a mintage of just 56 pieces. The vast majority have disappeared, with Walter Breen indicating that possibly 18 to 20 survive. Of those, few could equal the coin now offered. Another major opportunity.

1642     1895-S AU-50. Sharply struck and very attractive. Mint lustre remains on both obverse and reverse. Breen comments that this date and mint is "prohibitively rare AU."

From Abe Kosoff’s C.S.N.A. sale, November 1968, Lot 966.

Gem Proof 1896 Eagle

Among Finest Known


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1643     1896 Proof-65 (PCGS). A glittering cameo Proof, one of about two dozen surviving from a mintage of 78 coins. Few pieces in all of American numismatics can equal the quality of this splendid specimen. Another major opportunity for the connoisseur.

PCGS Population: 4; 1 finer (Proof-66).

1644     1896-S AU-50. Traces of mint lustre are found in the recesses. A pleasing specimen devoid of any distracting marks or abrasions. Breen notes: "prohibitively rare AU." The buyer looking for worthwhile opportunities in American coinage may well consider that as we go to press the present coin has an indicated market value of only several hundred dollars. Where else can one buy something that is called "prohibitively rare AU" by one of America’s leading experts, and pay just a few hundred dollars for it?!

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, June 25, 1968.

1645     1896-S AU-50. Just a hint of mint lustre in the recesses. Difficult to locate this choice. We strongly recommend that prospective bidders spend much time contemplating the offerings in the present catalogue, as there are many scarce and rare coins–the present 1896-S $10 included–that have not been publicized and are not widely known to the collecting community. Thus, the alert buyer who bids aggressively is apt to acquire pieces that cannot be found elsewhere except with much effort, and in some instances cannot be found at all.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 762.

Dazzling Gem Proof 1897 $10


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1646     1897 Proof-65 (PCGS). Attractive light yellow gold. An impressive specimen that surely ranks as one of the finest known. Perhaps 30 to 40 exist from a mintage of 69 pieces. Few can hold a candle to the present coin quality-wise.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1135.

1647     1897-O MS-61. A pleasing, lustrous example. A small area of tiny marks is noted beneath the eagle’s left wing. Popular New Orleans issue.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, April 11, 1972.

Dazzling Gem 1898 Proof $10


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1648     1898 Proof-65 (PCGS). The devices are contrasted to the mirror fields giving a wonderful cameo effect. The light gold color is very pleasing. Breen estimates that 35 to 40 Proofs survive of the 67 pieces struck. Quite a few extant Proof 1898 eagles have been scratched or damaged, and a few are held by museums. There are probably no more than a half dozen to 10 pieces that are in a class with the lovely Bass Collection gem.

PCGS Population: 9; 6 finer (Proof-67 finest).

From Stack’s sale of the Forrest Collection, September 1972, Lot 538.

Selection of Liberty Head Eagles

1649     Large grouping of Liberty Head eagles, all different dates and mints: I 1898 AU-55 I 1898-S VF-35 I 1899 AU-55, brushed I 1899-O AU-53. Very scarce; seldom seen in a grade higher than this I 1900 AU-58 I 1901 AU-55 I 1901-O AU-50 I 1901-S MS-61 I 1902 EF-40 I 1902-S MS-61 I 1903 AU-55 I 1903-O AU-55 I 1903-S EF-45 I 1904 AU-50 I 1904-O AU-55 I 1905 MS-60, light obverse scratch I 1905-S AU-50 I 1906 AU-58 I 1906-D MS-61. First year of the Denver Mint I 1906-O AU-55. Last year of the New Orleans Mint coinage of this denomination. Mostly brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 20 pieces)

Attractive 1899 Proof Eagle

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1650     1899 Proof-62 (PCGS). Sharply struck cameo Proof in deep green-gold. A delightful example at the Proof-62 level, not a gem by any means, but a "high end" Proof-62 which is certainly equal some we have seen called Proof-63 or even Proof-64 elsewhere. Only 86 Proofs were struck, of which perhaps a third survive. As a reality check, we estimate that if 25 to 30 survive (per Breen), the present piece is probably just above mid range, say with 15 lower grade coins and 10 to 15 higher grade pieces.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1139.

1651     1899-S MS-62. A lustrous example of a coin that is celebrating its centennial this year.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, June 3, 1968.

Notable Quality 1900 Proof Eagle

Splendid Gem


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1652     1900 Proof-65 (PCGS). Lovely light yellow gold. A notable quality example of this issue, last date of the 19th century (or first date of the 20th century, if you prefer and are not a mathematician). Only 120 coins were struck, of which no more than a third survive today. This is certainly one of the finest known.

PCGS Population: 5; 6 finer (Proof-67 finest).

From Stack’s sale of May 1974, Lot 506.

1653     1900 MS-61. Pale gold with numerous light bagmarks as you would expect at this level.

From Stack’s sale of the Shapero Collection, October 1971, Lot 1141.

Impressive Proof 1901 $10


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1654     1901 Proof-64 (PCGS). Beautiful mellow gold color is a joy to behold. The fields are highly reflective, setting off the frosted devices with a cameo effect. A very impressive, very beautiful and very rare coin. Probably only 30 to 40 exist, and of these the present coin is no doubt in the top 10 or 15 survivors quality-wise.

This is Breen’s No. 7070, with the first three numerals of the date repunched. He estimates that "possibly 30-40 survive."

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1145.

Brilliant Proof 1902 Eagle

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1655     1902 Proof-63 (PCGS). A very nice example of this issue. The Proof coinage amounted to 113 pieces, of which 35 to 40 survive today, some being damaged and impaired, others in museums. Probably only a dozen or so pieces are nicer than this one.

The portrait of Miss Liberty was lightly polished in the die on this issue, this characteristic being true of all authentic Proof strikings. The same format was continued in 1903 (and is better known for the 1903 date, although all 1902 pieces are similar).

From Stack’s sale of May 1974, Lot 508.

1656     1902-S MS-63. A pleasing specimen with highly reflective fields. A significant number of Mint State pieces of this date and mint were discovered in the early 1970s, thus providing the opportunity to acquire a frosty San Francisco eagle for relatively low cost. As such, this is an excellent consideration for a type set.

From Stack’s sale of September 28, 1967.

1657     1902-S MS-63. A fully lustrous specimen that is particularly attractive. Sharply struck and very desirable.

Dazzling Proof 1903 $10


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1658     1903 Proof-64 (PCGS). This is the second year that fully brilliant Proofs were issued. A lovely quality piece, certainly at the high end of the Proof-64 grade range and likely a candidate for Proof-65. Few equivalent or nicer pieces exist among the three dozen or so coins surviving from a mintage of 96 pieces.

All authentic Proofs of this year are from an obverse die with the portrait of Miss Liberty polished.

From Paramount’s sale of March 1973, Lot 1115.

Choice Proof 1904 Eagle

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1659     1904 Proof-63 (PCGS). A wonderful specimen that at first appears to be a gem, and quite a few observers would call it that. However, under close magnification some minor hairlines are visible, prompting the experts at PCGS to call this Proof-63. This is certainly "a lot of coin for the money," and prospective buyers would do well to examine it carefully. Of the 108 Proofs struck, probably no more than a third exist today. The present coin is probably in the top 45% of survivors quality-wise.

From Stack’s sale of the Scanlon Collection, October 1973, Lot 2571.

1660     1904 MS-63. A very pleasing specimen that is definitely at the high end of this grade range. Fully lustrous and brilliant. This would make a welcome addition to a high quality type set.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of July 1970, Lot 456.

Rare Proof 1905 Eagle


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1661     1905 Proof-64 (PCGS). Attractive light gold. A nice example of this rare Proof issue. Of the 86 coins struck, perhaps slightly more than a third survive today. An important opportunity.

PCGS Population: 5; 4 finer (Proof-66 finest).

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 14, 1970, Lot 1157.

1662     1905-S AU-58. The 1905-S is rare in Mint State, this piece is only a whisper away from that level. Fully brilliant and quite pleasing.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, June 25, 1968.

Splendid Proof 1906 Eagle


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1663     1906 Proof-64 (PCGS). Attractive light gold color. A splendid specimen remaining from a low Proof mintage of only 77 coins. We doubt if more than 10 or 15 survivors are of this quality or finer.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of December 18, 1970, Lot 3263.

Impressive and Rare 1906-O $10

Outstanding Quality

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1664     1906-O MS-64 (PCGS). Sharply struck and highly lustrous. A delightful, aesthetically desirable example of this scarce issue, a rarity in Mint State. This is the last year that eagles were struck at New Orleans.

The mintage of this issue amounted to 86,895 coins, most of which seem to have gone into circulation. In his study of the series, David Akers noted: "The 1906-O…ranks with the 1899-O as the scarcest issue from the mint after 1883. Most specimens are fairly high grade EF or AU, but strictly Uncirculated examples are very scarce. Choice and especially gem quality Uncirculated specimens are rare and seldom encountered."

Today it is difficult to sort reality from fiction, due to the popular practice of resubmitting coins to the same service and crossing them over to other services. As it has been said elsewhere in the present catalogue, multiple listings often represent but a single coin. Thus, for a more balanced view it is necessary to look to the wisdom of those who have studied the series, including David Akers, and, in all modesty, ourselves.

PCGS Population: 9; 2 finer (MS-66 finest).

From Paramount’s Auction ‘86, August 5, 1986, Lot 1943.

Important Proof 1907 Eagle


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1665     1907 Proof-64 (PCGS). A sharp Proof with deep mirrored fields. Highly important as a rarity–probably no more than half or a third survive from a mintage of 74 pieces–and also as the last year of the Liberty Head motif. A numismatic classic by any evaluation, by any standard.

From Stack’s sale of the Scanlon Collection, October 1973, Lot 2582.

Wonderful 1908-D No Motto $10

Indian Head Motif

"Errant Mintmark"

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1666     1908-D Indian Head. No Motto. MS-64 (PCGS). Satiny orange-gold lustre with very few marks or other impairments. Very slightly weak at center of obverse, which is the norm for authentic specimens of the issue. A coin of hand-picked quality, one that will delight its new owner.

One could easily call the 1908-D No Motto the "Errant Mintmark" variety, for the D mintmark is way out in left field (literally), beyond the branch–in a location completely different from that used on any other mintmark in the series! This characteristic, which is found on all known specimens of the 1908-D Without Motto (but not on those with motto) is not widely known or appreciated and seems to us to lend quite a bit of interest.

From a trade with Stanley Kesselman.

Notable 1909 Indian $10

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1667     1909 MS-64 (PCGS). A superb example in deep yellow gold with very sharp design details. The surfaces are nearly flawless, and the piece has tremendous eye appeal. Even though Harry Bass did not specialize in Indian Head $10 pieces and only acquired a few, one can imagine that when he saw this coin he simply had to own it!

Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 16, 1972.

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1668     1909-S MS-63. Light gold. A few minute contact marks are noted on Miss Liberty’s jaw and in the left obverse field. The mint lustre is somewhat subdued. The 1909-S is scarce in Mint State. Most of the known Uncirculated examples are from a tiny hoard discovered in the 1970s.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, August 1975.

1669     1910-D MS-62. A lustrous example with attractive surfaces.

From the Goliad Corporation’s sale of the Verner Collection, August 8, 1972.

Rare 1911-D Eagle

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1670     1911-D MS-63 (PCGS). Sharply struck with light yellow gold lustre. This is the lowest mintage regular issue in the series. Rare in all grades, the 1911-D is especially elusive in Mint State, and even more so at the MS-67 level offered here. A find for the astute collector.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, October 6, 1972.

1671     1912 MS-63. Fully lustrous and attractive.

From Paramount’s Auction ‘79 Sale, Lot 357.

1672     1912-S AU-50. Marks on cheek.

Purchased from Rex McGee.

Lustrous and Beautiful 1913 $10

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1673     1913 MS-64. A fully lustrous example. Tiny contact marks are noted on Liberty’s lips and chin.

From Abe Kosoff, August 1973, via trade.

1674     1914 MS-63. Numerous contact marks are noted on the face of Miss Liberty.

From Stack’s sale of the Delp Collection, November 1972, Lot 852.

Lustrous and Attractive 1914-S $10

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1675     1914-S MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous and attractive, a very nice example in a grade far higher than typically seen for the 1914-S. "Very scarce in Mint State" notes Walter Breen, a significant comment.

1676     1915 MS-63. A pleasing fully lustrous example that is at the high end of this grade designation.

From Stack’s sale of April 1973, Lot 1107.