1863 G$1, DCAM PR(PCGS#97613)

1863 G$1, DCAM PR (PCGS#97613)

The March 2013 Baltimore Auction

Lot Description: 1863 Gold Dollar. Proof-67 Deep Cameo (PCGS). An incredible Gem Proof example of the date, a coin with deeply contrasting frosted motifs and mirrored fields. The sharp and appealing portrait of Liberty is bright yellow-gold and set against a moderately deeper yellow-gold field that seems almost liquid in its shimmering beauty. Absolutely choice with no marks of any measure to be found, even under low magnification -- any marks reported here would be simply nit-picking. One of only 50 Proofs of the date struck, all on March 23, 1863, with somewhat fewer than that number thought to exist today. PCGS suggests just 22 to 28 are known, odd figures but probably as accurate a guess as anyone's. It is thought that perhaps as few as 30 Proofs of the date were actually sold, with the rest melted at a later date. Be that as it may, the 1863 Proof gold dollar is an important rarity. The Bass specimen (B&M, May 2000:39, ex Shapero) was a gorgeous Proof-64 coin, but the present Gem knocks that one out of the ballpark where surface quality is concerned. Indeed, the present coin is <strong><em>the finest Proof of the date certified by PCGS within any Proof designation, </em></strong>and bidding activity should prove its worth when this impressive and important Gem Deep Cameo Proof 1863 gold dollar crosses the auction block.