1852 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-137

Coin Details

Auction Record

$60,000 • PR64 PCGS • 04-2021 • Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-137 is a remarkable 1852 pattern gold dollar struck on an already-coined quarter eagle planchet, making it both a pattern and an overstrike. Two examples are known: one overstruck on an 1846 quarter eagle and the other on an 1859 quarter eagle, the latter date proving these were produced well after 1852, as numismatic rarities for sale to collectors. The obverse displays "USA" above and "1852" below with a central circle, while the reverse features a circular laurel wreath. The design relates to the annular or ring-form gold dollar patterns that explored producing gold coins with central perforations to achieve a larger, more manageable diameter. By 1852, the tiny 13mm gold dollar had proven difficult to handle and was frequently lost, prompting experimentation with wider formats. The use of quarter eagle planchets as host coins is a distinctive feature of J-137, as the Mint apparently found it more practical to overstrike existing coins than to prepare special gold planchets for such limited experimental productions.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Only 2 examples known, each overstruck on a different-date quarter eagle.

Cross References

Pollock-164