1858 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-225

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,200 PR 08-08-2010 Stack's

Description

Cataloged as Judd-225, this 1858 dollar pattern is a copper impression from the regular Seated Liberty dollar dies. The obverse carries the full Seated Liberty design with thirteen surrounding stars and the date 1858, while the reverse presents the eagle, national motto, and denomination as seen on the silver originals. As a copper striking of the proof-only 1858 dollar, J-225 offers collectors an opportunity to study the same dies in a softer, more receptive metal. Copper impressions frequently exhibit sharper detail than their silver counterparts because the softer planchet flows more readily into the die cavities. The 1858 dollar's status as the sole proof-only date in the Seated Liberty dollar series (prior to the final years of the design) makes any variant of particular interest. Reeded edge, consistent with the regular silver issue. The exact circumstances of production for these copper impressions remain somewhat undocumented, as the line between official Mint products and collector-oriented restrikes was often blurred during this era.