Description
1899 $10 Liberty Gold Eagle, CACG PR67DCAM CAC – Spectacular Deep Cameo, JD-1, R.5
This coin is a magnificent Superb Gem proof, with razor-sharp definition on the design elements and deeply mirrored fields that contrast profoundly with the richly frosted devices creating an intense cameo effect. The lemon-yellow surfaces are virtually flawless, and show slight orange-peel texture, typical of 19th century proofs.
The mintage of proof Liberty eagles increased to 86 pieces in 1899, the largest pre-1900 proof mintage of the series. A single die variety was used to strike all the proofs Gold Eagle coins (JD-1). JD Dannreuther notes that the surviving population numbers are approximately 35-40 specimens in all grades.
Records indicate 75 proofs were delivered in quarterly batches of 24, 5, 8, and 38 pieces. Perhaps these were coins issued as part of the gold proof sets, and the other eleven proofs Gold Eagles represent single examples produced for unspecified purposes throughout the year. An interesting note, gold proof sets began appearing at auction at an early date, but they typically brought only small premiums. A complete set of 1899 Gold Proof coins was offered in lot 359 of the David S. Wilson Sale (S.H. Chapman, 3/1907), where the four coins, with a face value of $37.50, realized $50. Prices for proof gold have skyrocketed in recent years.
