United States Coin of the Week: Superb Gem Proof 1910 Saint-Gaudens Indian Eagle Glitters in Upcoming November Baltimore Auction

By Frank Van Valen, Numismatist and Cataloger, U.S. Coins. Based on the lot description by James Matthews, Senior Numismatist and Consignment Director, U.S. Coins

Ask any collector today about Augustus Saint-Gaudens and they will, more often than not, mention his classic MCMVII High Relief double eagle, recognized as perhaps America’s most beautiful coinage endeavor. While less familiar to some, the Saint-Gaudens Indian eagle design type of 1907 to 1933 is equally as beautiful as the double eagle design in the eyes of many of today’s collectors.

Indeed, one of many highlights in our rapidly approaching November Baltimore auction event is lot 2228, a glittering Gem Proof 1910 Indian eagle, as impressive as the day it first was struck. It is tied with one other Proof example of the date as finest certified by PCGS – you won’t find a finer specimen in a PCGS holder!

A somewhat sizable Proof mintage for the date of 204 Indian eagles was forthcoming from the Mint in 1910, though it is thought not all were sold. Add to that the attrition that naturally occurs over decades and the end result is a population for the date estimated today at just 50 to 75 or so pieces. Struck in what is referred to as a Roman Finish, the surfaces are slightly smoother and more reflective than the Matte Proofs struck for other dates in the series.

Our lead cataloger on the lot, Jim Matthews, noted the coin bears a needle-sharp strike and lively rose-gold toning highlights among its many attributes. As with most Proof Indian eagles we’ve offered over the years, this lot will attract specialists eager to add this prize to their collections. A recent NGC-certified Proof-67 example of the date realized a resounding $149,760 in a competitor’s sale in September 2013. Early bidding activity leads us to believe that interest in this lot will be similar.

Whether you attend our Baltimore auction in person, bid by phone, on your computer, or send us your bid by U.S. Mail, one thing is plain – you won’t be alone when the bidding begins, so plan to bid accordingly. We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore!