1804 Proof Eagle Pattern - J-34a

Coin Details

Description

Judd-34a is the plain-edge variety of the silver die trial from the 1804 Plain 4 eagle dies, distinguished from its reeded-edge counterpart J-34 solely by its edge treatment. Like J-34, this piece was struck in silver using the same obverse and reverse dies employed for the gold J-33 proof eagles made for the diplomatic presentation sets of the 1830s. The obverse features the Capped Bust Liberty with the Plain 4 date, and the reverse displays the Heraldic Eagle. The plain edge indicates this was an earlier stage of die testing, struck before the reeding collar was put in place, or it may represent a deliberate variant produced for the Mint Cabinet or for numismatic purposes. Pollock cataloged this as a separate entry from the reeded-edge J-34. Like all coins connected to the 1804 diplomatic proof program, J-34a is profoundly rare and carries enormous historical significance as a tangible artifact of early American diplomacy through coinage.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Extremely rare; be unique or nearly so.

Cross References

Pollock-47