$342,000.00 USD
Predictably, as the face value of each coinage denomination increases the number minted decreases; likewise, today's auction prices increase because of increased rarity and increased popularity of larger denomination coins. Only 71 proof tens were struck in 1913. To continue the increase / decrease theme, the mintage was undoubtedly also low because of the collecting public's increasing weariness with the unfamiliar sandblast finish seen on gold coins beginning in 1908. In that initial year, there were 116 proof tens struck. The number produced decreased steadily (except for the anomalous 204 pieces struck in 1910). In his new reference on proof gold, John Dannreuther comments on the popularity of the matte finish then and now:
"The miniscule production of all Matte Proof gold coins speaks volumes about the acceptance by collectors of the day -- or rather, their lack of acceptance. Despite their unpopularity during their day, collectors today are enthralled with the myriad looks of Matte Proof gold.”
The reason collectors concentrate so on the color (look) of matte proofs is because there is such a wide range of colors available, and all are within the gold color spectrum. For instance, if the dates were covered it would be easy to tell a 1908 from, say, a 1913. The 1908 will consistently display a deep khaki-gold color, while a 1913 is generally referred to as having a mustard color, some even specifically naming Dijon mustard as the identifying color.
