Bright yellow-gold surfaces blaze with rich luster, the fields are moderately reflective, and the devices are warmly frosted. Bright pools of pale sky blue and olive iridescence complete the lovely picture. The strike is bold across the board with just a hint of lightness at the reverse bow. Try as we might, we can’t find a mark worthy of reporting on either side. The mintage of 801 circulation strikes would be notable in any series of U.S. coins, and even in this denomination known for low mintage figures, it’s a standout. All 801 pieces were delivered in late March of the year; three months later an example sold at auction for face value. As early as the 1920s this date was considered a great rarity. Estimates suggest some 75 to 100 or so Mint State coins can be accounted for today, along with perhaps 90 to 120 circulated pieces found, a fairly even split of the remaining coins. The circulated coin population is replete with AU pieces, many of which were possibly saved from banks and the like by Thomas L. Elder and passed on to numismatists in his era. Most of the Mint State survivors are found in Mint State-60 to Mint State-62 or marginally finer. Truly choice coins are elusive at best, and gem coins are just plain rare. The present piece outshines the Mint State-64 Jewell specimen (American Numismatic Rarities, 2005), and the earlier Mint State-65 Bass coin (Bowers and Merena, 1999). If you are a connoisseur who appreciates quality and rarity, this coin answers both calls. PCGS# 8007. NGC ID: 25N8.
