Records indicate that the Philadelphia Mint struck 99 Proof double eagles in 1913, though just 58 coins were distributed due to the declining interest in the Matte, Roman and Sandblast finishes used since 1907. The finish used to strike the 1913 issue is actually unique within the Proof Saint-Gaudens double eagle series, being a bit coarser than the Proof 1911 and Proof 1912, yet a bit finer than on the typical Proof 1914 and Proof 1915. We are delighted to feature a superior example of this 1913 Sandblast Proof double eagle in the Rarities Night session of our March 2020 Baltimore Auction. Certified Proof-66 by NGC, it ranks as the sole finest example to receive approval from CAC.
Survival estimates for the 1913 Proof double eagle have evolved significantly over the past several decades, as more examples have emerged from old collections and it has been studied in detail by scholars. In 1988, gold specialist David Akers remarked that "Proofs of 1913 are very rare; at most 20-25 are known." Q. David Bowers was more conservative when writing in 2004, suggesting that only 12 to 15 coins survived. The most recent research by John Dannreuther (2018) indicates that 35 to 45 distinct specimens remain, though most of these are in grades of Proof-65 and lower. At Proof-66 (NGC), this piece is significant, with only 14 coins certified finer by NGC. It is a beautiful and conditionally rare piece that is sure to see spirited bidding at auction.
The warm honey-gold surfaces of this piece possess full originality and remarkable technical quality. There are no distracting or otherwise grade-limiting contact marks. Such features would readily reveal themselves as "shiny" areas indicating breaks in the original texture. Instead, this lovely Gem exhibits an unbroken sandblast finish with myriad sparkling facets discernible with the aid of a loupe. Approval from CAC testifies to its overall superior quality.
This rare Gem Sandblast Proof 1913 double eagle will be featured in our March 2020 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Spring Expo, which is highlighted by the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Parts VI and VII, the Larry Ness Collection of Indian Peace Medals, the ESM Collection of Half Cents, the Richard Jewell Collection, the Harrington Collection, and further rarities from the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. To secure your copy of this exciting catalog speak with a numismatic representative today at 800-566-2580 or email consign@Stacksbowers.com . Also, download our mobile app to view and participate in our auctions via your Android or Apple device.
