1915 Indian Eagle. Proof-65 (PCGS).

1915 Indian Eagle. Proof-65 (PCGS).，Offered is an extraordinary 1915, an absolute and condition rarity from the final year of the challenging Proof Indian eagle series. Gorgeous sandblast surfaces exhibit the rich honey-orange patina and coarse-grain texture for which this issue is known. It is fully struck and has very well preserved surfaces that are overall smooth and visually appealing in all regards. Unpopular in their day given that contemporary collectors preferred the Cameo and Brilliant Proofs of the preceding Liberty Head type, the Satin and Sandblast Proof Indian eagles as a group saw poor sales with many of the coins eventually melted. For the final year, 1915, just 75 Proofs were struck and upward of half the coins were melted in the Mint. With only 35 to 45 coins believed extant in all grades (per <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em>), this is the rarest Proof Indian eagle when we discount the exceedingly rare experimental pieces such as the unique Satin Proof 1907 Rounded Rim and handful of Proof 1908s prepared with a satin finish. Gems such as that offered here are in the distinct minority among survivors, and this lot represents an important bidding opportunity for discerning gold enthusiasts.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from Superiors Pre-Long Beach Elite Coin Auction of May-June 2004, lot 2633; via Stacks.，