1905 Liberty Head Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-5. Proof-58 (NGC). An unmistakable Proof striking of this ten-dollar gold eagle date, and a rare and desirable coin, as such. Much of the reflective finish in the fields is discernible despite light friction and an overlay of pale toning. The motifs are near-fully rendered with a softly frosted texture. Warm and attractive honey-gold color with an impressively smooth appearance in hand for the assigned grade.<p>The 1905 is a lower mintage issue among late date Proof Liberty Head eagles with just 86 pieces produced in this format. John W. Dannreuther (2018) estimates that just 40 to 50 coins are extant in all grades. Numismatic scholars have long assumed that undistributed classic Proof gold coins were melted in the Mint, thereby contributing to the rarity of survivors. On the other hand, our recent offerings from the extensive Fairmont Collection have included a number of light circulated late date Proof Liberty Head gold coins. This suggests that, while some undistributed examples may certainly have been melted, the Mint disposed of others by releasing them into commercial channels. The present 1905 $10, while not from the Fairmont Collection, has an appearance that suggests release into circulation at some point. It retains ample evidence that it is a Proof, however, and avoided considerable handling before being preserved for future generations of collectors. An exciting coin that is sure to see spirited bidding among advanced gold enthusiasts. PCGS# 8845. NGC ID: 28GC.
