my vote, without question, goes to this one.......sold late last year for a record $5 million dollars! wow!
Historical Background on the 1804 Proof Eagle - NGC PF65 Ultra Cameo * By David Lange
The proof edition of the 1804 gold eagle, or ten-dollar piece, is a classic American rarity. Only three examples are known to survive from an estimated mintage of four-eight coins.
The preparation of diplomatic presentation sets of United States coins circa 1834-35 prompted the minting of this proof-only edition. As no ten-dollar pieces had been issued since 1804, the Mint Director requested and received several proof examples from dies back-dated to 1804 but prepared for this occasion using technology of the 1830s.
There are subtle distinctions between the circulating edition minted in 1804 and these proof presentation coins. The most notable of these is that the old coins have a crosslet-style numeral 4 in the date, while the proof coins made during the 1830s have a plain 4. Other differences are found in the number of reeds on their edges (126 for the originals and 200 for the proofs) and in the length of the border denticles (long for originals and short for the proofs).
Of the three known examples, one is presently on long-term loan to the museum of the American Numismatic Association, while a second is likely to always remain with its companion coins as part of the famed King of Siam proof set. This leaves the third example, which recently sold at a record price for a certified and encapsulated United States gold coin.
A glittering, ultra cameo proof, its fields are delightfully brilliant and reflective, while its devices are richly frosted. This magnificent rarity is superbly struck throughout and has very clean surfaces, with just a hint of orange toning around its peripheries. With a pedigree that includes Woodin, Newcomer and Col. Green, this beauty is the finer of just two certified by NGC (10-07).
......and here is the other one mentioned, so this makes two of three remaining examples in existance. Don't know how this piece didn't at least get a Cameo designation, but it would still go for millions anyway i'd imagine if it went to auction again.
Though not in the leauge with the others posted, This 1937 Buffalo Cameo Proof PCGS PR66CAM is one of only 16 so designated between pcgs and ngc. Probably among the first few off the proof dies, it is a stunner in hand, with the black fields and cameo much more evident.
1898 proof Morgan dollars come spectacular. I also remember an 1893 that was the same.
PNG member, numismatic dealer since 1965. Operates a retail store, also has exhibited at over 1000 shows. I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
I guess it kind of depends on what you consider, "The Ultimate Cameo". If you mean across all series, I would doubt it. Production is just so different over time. I really like those eagles shown below, but if you were to take the price factor out of the equation then there are any number of other obverse designs I prefer to see as a cameo (I do however really like the Heraldic Eagle in cameo). Then of course is the question of how deep a cameo qualifies a coin as an ultimate cameo. Some series basically don't have cameo coins, so a cameo coin of that series, even if it is not deep cameo, is the ultimate coin. In that regard my 1938 Walker ain't too shabby for the series as a whole. Personally I really like some of the proofs from the late 1800's for a combination of nice design and technically superior cameo contrast.
<< <i> That 1804 $10 looked much better in the 64 holder when it was offered to me at just under $600k.
If we're doing the time travel thing, why stop there? We all let Harry Bass buy the clearly superior Eliasberg coin for $33,000 in 1982. >>
but Andy, if you're sorry you missed it...........Mr. Yao can make you a "Quang Shi province" pedigree one for less than 300 bucks; he'll slab it for you in PCGS, NGC or ANACS plastic for an extra 20 bucks!
For other 'ultimate cameo' coins outside the border, I'd look no further than the stunning British 1839 'Una & the Lion' (ultra cameo) proof 5 pounds. Long considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever made, they are amazing to view "in hand".
Comments
-Paul
http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=632982&highlight_key=y&keyword1=1969&keyword2=quarter
<< <i>My vote goes for this one. Sold for $213,000. >>
Thanks for bringing up a sore subject. I was high bidder at $500 until people actually started bidding. The nerve.
Historical Background on the 1804 Proof Eagle - NGC PF65 Ultra Cameo *
By David Lange
The proof edition of the 1804 gold eagle, or ten-dollar piece, is a classic American rarity. Only three examples are known to survive from an estimated mintage of four-eight coins.
The preparation of diplomatic presentation sets of United States coins circa 1834-35 prompted the minting of this proof-only edition. As no ten-dollar pieces had been issued since 1804, the Mint Director requested and received several proof examples from dies back-dated to 1804 but prepared for this occasion using technology of the 1830s.
There are subtle distinctions between the circulating edition minted in 1804 and these proof presentation coins. The most notable of these is that the old coins have a crosslet-style numeral 4 in the date, while the proof coins made during the 1830s have a plain 4. Other differences are found in the number of reeds on their edges (126 for the originals and 200 for the proofs) and in the length of the border denticles (long for originals and short for the proofs).
Of the three known examples, one is presently on long-term loan to the museum of the American Numismatic Association, while a second is likely to always remain with its companion coins as part of the famed King of Siam proof set. This leaves the third example, which recently sold at a record price for a certified and encapsulated United States gold coin.
A glittering, ultra cameo proof, its fields are delightfully brilliant and reflective, while its devices are richly frosted. This magnificent rarity is superbly struck throughout and has very clean surfaces, with just a hint of orange toning around its peripheries. With a pedigree that includes Woodin, Newcomer and Col. Green, this beauty is the finer of just two certified by NGC (10-07).
<< <i>That 1804 $10 looked much better in the 64 holder when it was offered to me at just under $600k.
ahhh......regrets. we've all had a few, huh?!
I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
eBaystore
<< <i>1898 proof Morgan dollars come spectacular. I also remember an 1893 that was the same. >>
i'm not a huge Morgan fan, but proof Morgans are truly a sight to behold!
U.S. Type Set
If we're doing the time travel thing, why stop there? We all let Harry Bass buy the clearly superior Eliasberg coin for $33,000 in 1982.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
<< <i> That 1804 $10 looked much better in the 64 holder when it was offered to me at just under $600k.
If we're doing the time travel thing, why stop there? We all let Harry Bass buy the clearly superior Eliasberg coin for $33,000 in 1982. >>
but Andy, if you're sorry you missed it...........Mr. Yao can make you a "Quang Shi province" pedigree one for less than 300 bucks; he'll slab it for you in PCGS, NGC or ANACS plastic for an extra 20 bucks!