Original Frame for a Proof 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar, McKinley Portrait, with Philadelphia Mint Wax Seal and Imprinted Card Signed by Superintendent John M. Landis and Coiner Rhine R. Freed.This gilt antique wooden frame measures 11.25 inches x 13.0 inches and is matted within, similar to the example offered as lot 6118 in our March 2015 Baltimore Auction, although here a bit smaller and with the coin no longer present. (The coin has been certified Proof-64 by PCGS and is being offered in the preceding lot in this sale). The slot that once housed the coin is central to the display and is outlined in a square formed by a braided cord that hangs downward with a bow. The cords ends are secured at the bottom of the display by a wax seal that reads SUPT. U.S. MINT / PHILA. around a central five-pointed star. The lower left, central and right portions of the wax seal have broken away and are no longer present. The imprinted card reads in fancy Spencerian script THIS IS TO CERTIFY, THAT THE ACCOMPANYING / LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION GOLD DOLLAR, / STRUCK AT THE MINT OF THE / UNITED STATES, AT PHILADELPHIA / IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED / JUNE 28TH, 1902, IS ONE OF THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED / IMPRESSIONS FROM THE MCKINLEY DIES. Below this copy are the signatures of Rhine R. Freed, coiner and John M. Landis, superintendent. The card and matte are nicely preserved with only minor foxing noted. The frame is in Good condition, the edges with numerous chips and scuffs, the back missing and the glass held in place with tape. There is no hanger.Over the years we have handled several of these original frames for the rare Proof Louisiana Purchase Exposition gold dollars of both the Jefferson and McKinley types, although they are rare in an absolute sense. The present offering, the coin for which is offered in the preceding lot, represents an important find for the advanced collector of classic U.S. Mint commemorative coinage. Sure to see spirited bidding. There are no coins included in this lot.
