1999-W $10 Gold Eagle "Unfinished Die" Major Error – PCGS MS70, Stephanie Sabin Signed
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Legendary 'Unfinished Die' Mint Error: An iconic modern rarity created when standard 1/4 oz bullion coins were accidentally struck with unfinished proof dies. With an estimated mintage of only 50-200 coins, it is one of the rarest and most significant error coins of the 20th century.
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Signature of a Grading Industry Leader: This coin is personally hand-signed by Stephanie Sabin, the former President of PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). Her signature on this legendary error represents the ultimate "insider's" endorsement of its profound rarity and historical importance.
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The Pinnacle of Mint State Perfection: Graded a flawless MS70 by PCGS. For a major Mint error that was never intended for special handling and has an infinitesimally small population, a perfect grade is a near-miraculous achievement.
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Unique 'Proof-Like' Bullion Finish: This error boasts a unique hybrid appearance, with partially mirrored fields and incomplete frosted details. This "semi-proof-like" finish makes it a visually stunning piece that stands apart from any other coin in the Gold Eagle series.
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Accidental West Point 'W' Mintmark Rarity: This "needle-in-a-haystack" find originated from a quality control oversight at the prestigious West Point Mint. Its accidental creation and subsequent discovery by collectors have cemented its legendary status.
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A Near-Mythical Modern Rarity: Due to its astonishingly low estimated mintage, the surviving population of perfect, signed examples is microscopic. This coin is not just a collectible; it is a true numismatic jackpot. Only [Signature Population Number] coins are known to exist in the PCGS census.
An Insider's Mark on a Numismatic Jackpot
This is where a legendary mistake meets absolute perfection, endorsed by the pinnacle of the industry. The 1999-W $10 "Unfinished Die" Gold Eagle is a coin whispered about by advanced collectors—a true ghost in the machine. Its story is the stuff of dreams: an accidental treasure that escaped the Mint with the soul of a proof. This specimen is the ultimate expression of that legend. Certified as a flawless MS70 by PCGS, its quality is breathtaking. This monumental error is then crowned by the signature of Stephanie Sabin, former President of PCGS, creating a collectible defined by rarity, perfection, and unparalleled provenance.
A Design Transformed by a Minting Anomaly
While the coin features the classic designs of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Liberty and Miley Busiek's Family of Eagles, the "Unfinished Die" error transforms their appearance into something entirely new. The fields, which should have a uniform satin luster, exhibit patches of deep, mirror-like reflectivity. The devices, which would be fully frosted on a finished proof, have an incomplete, ethereal cameo effect. This unique visual texture makes the familiar design feel mysterious and otherworldly, offering a tangible glimpse into a rare moment of the coin-making process.
Why Collect This Coin?
The appeal of this coin is absolute. It is a holy grail for the advanced collector of errors and modern rarities, combining a thrilling story with one of the lowest estimated populations of any U.S. Mint product. It represents a trifecta that is virtually impossible to replicate:
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A Perfect Coin: A flawless MS70 grade on one of the rarest modern Mint errors in existence.
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A Perfect Story: A "numismatic jackpot"—an accidental treasure with an estimated mintage of only 50-200.
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A Perfect Signature: The former President of PCGS, Stephanie Sabin.
Detailed Overview
Introduction to the Coin: The 1999-W $10 Gold Eagle was intended to be a standard 1/4 oz bullion coin. In a historic blunder, a small number of dies intended for proof coinage were used before their preparation was complete. The resulting error coins were mixed with the regular mintage of 1.5 million and released to the public, only to be discovered later by astute collectors. With experts estimating a surviving population of just 50-200 pieces, it is a celebrated rarity born from pure chance.
The Significance of the autograph: Stephanie Sabin served as President of PCGS, one of the world's leading third-party coin grading services. Her role placed her at the apex of the coin certification industry. Her authentic, hand-signed autograph on a PCGS holder is the ultimate endorsement of that coin's quality and authenticity, creating a unique collectible that bridges the gap between the U.S. Mint and the service that guarantees its perfection.
