1911 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. JD-1. Rarity-5. Proof-65+ (PCGS).

Handsome and Fully Original Sandblast Proof 1911 Double Eagle 1911 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. JD-1. Rarity-5. Proof-65+ (PCGS). A fully original piece that displays the characteristic finish of this Sandblast Proof issue, both sides exhibit a coarse grain matte-like texture comprised of myriad sparkling facets. The color is a deep mustard-yellow with a tinge of rose, also characteristic of the issue, and the devices are fully defined from a razor sharp strike. Free of distracting "shiny spots" or other blemishes, and in fact overall smooth, this solidly graded Gem has some legitimate claim to an even higher grade. Of the 1911 Proof double eagle only 100 were made. The Mint called these Sandblast Proofs at the time, but collectors often refer to them as "Matte Proofs." They were fashioned by taking a 1911 double eagle carefully struck on a hydraulic medal press and blasting it with a stream of tiny sand particles. This process was popularized at the Paris Mint in the 1890s and attracted the attention of artists and medalists in America, inspiring the Mint to use it for certain products such as Assay Commission medals. As desired as Sandblast Proofs are by today's discerning numismatists, in their era they were not widely sought by collectors. Either not all of the 100 pieces struck were distributed, or most were later spent. John W. Dannreuther (2018) estimates that no more than 75 of the 1911 date survive today. Proof gold double eagles had little resale value and both B. Max Mehl and Henry Chapman stated that as they could only be sold for $21 or so, they often turned them in to the banks! Incredible to contemplate today. (Mehl once told Dave Bowers that he was in the dining car of a train, had left his wallet in the sleeping car, so spent a Proof Barber half dollar he had in his pocket). In his May 1915 sale of the B.W. Smith Collection Mehl offered lot 13: "1911 Sandblast Proof. Very scarce, as but few Proofs were struck." It realized $20.60. Beginning in a very significant way in the 1970s, the long-overlooked Sandblast Proofs achieved great market demand, which has continued ever since. We anticipate a great deal of excitement as this wonderful Gem crosses the auction block. Provenance: Property from an Alabama Family. PCGS Population: 1; 9 finer (Proof-67+ finest). CAC Stickered Population: 2; 4. The former total includes coins certified both Proof-65 and Proof-65+. PCGS# 9208. NGC ID: 26GY. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

Estimate:$1

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