 1824 O.106 (R-3). Gem Brilliant Uncirculated, with a wholly Prooflike obverse, probably a presentation striking. Stark white save for a hint of gold forming around rims, and quite beautiful for this issue. An extraordinary coin which boldly displays frosted devices which contrast with the reflective fields. To create the contrasting frost on the devices, an acid was applied to the finished die to etch the surfaces, then the fields were polished to a mirror-like brilliance, eliminating any etched areas in the fields. In this particular case, traces of field etching remain below Liberty's chin and around the lower ribbon end, both of which show polishing on the die by the engraver.
It is noteworthy that the etching process left rough surfaces on Liberty's cap and gown, and on the olive leaves and end of the stem. The reverse displays good contrast between the devices and fields, with traces of etching in the fields in the form of minute specks, similar to die rust. This is possibly the result of the etching process which slightly pitted the entire die, with most of the evidence polished out of the fields save for the deepest pits from the process. Slight doubling is found along the lower portions of both the eagle's wings and on the posts of 'IT' of UNITED, and base of 'STA' of STATES in the legend. Examination with a strong magnifier will find hints of pin scratching located at the inside of stars 11 and 12, and a slight scuff above Liberty's cap. As with so many specimen coins, the surface quality presents an enigma which spans the chasm between a true Proof and a circulation strike.
Ex Spring Sale (Stack's, April 1978, lot 629).
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