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by Harry Bass, 29 Nov 1994
Perhaps some will be interested in learning that one of the great rarities in U.S. gold coinage has reappeared after 83 years!
In 1844, the New Orleans mint struck at least one Presentation (Proof) specimen of both the $5 and $10 coins for that year.
A $5 example has been long since been located. It resides in a prominent collection (not mine).
A $10 example first appeared in the Parmalee Sale in 1890. What is believed to be the same coin subsequently appeared in the Woodin sale of 1911, where it appeared as one of the plated (photographed) coins.
The reappearance of this coin after a hiatus of so many years is most gratifying for any doubt as to its existence may now be dispelled.
That it is in fact the 1911 Woodin specimen is a certainty. The Woodin plates were actual photographs of remarkable resolution. All distinctive features evident on the surfaces of both the obverse and reverse of the coin can be seen in the respective photographs.
Coin to coin comparison of the specimen with all known die pairs/mulings used in 1844 at the New Orleans mint further reveals that the subject coin was struck from a die pair that was also used for the striking of business strike coins. This rules out any speculation that it may have been struck at other than the New Orleans mint.
Microscopic comparison of the specimen with a very nice business strike leads to the surmise that the Proof/Presentation strike was struck subsequent to the striking of the business strike. The surfaces of the specimen are clearly of Proof quality, being fully mirrored. The central figures have a "Cameo" appearance.
The occasion, if any, for the striking of the both the $5 and the $10 is not known to the writer.
Numismatics is a wonderful science! (And its fun, as well!)
Harry Bass
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