1863 Proof Dime Pattern - J-330b

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-330b and related to the base Judd-330 (Pollock-382) die combination, this proof dime pattern completes the three-composition set for the J-330 design, typically representing the scarcest variant in a compositional trilogy where the Mint struck identical designs across different planchet materials to evaluate their visual impact and production characteristics. The existence of three distinct compositions for the J-330 die combination indicates that Mint officials considered this one of the more promising dime design concepts in the 1863 pattern series, warranting the most thorough evaluation across all available planchet materials — the third metal variant generally received the smallest production run, as it was struck only after the first two compositions had been evaluated and the design deemed worth further testing. Produced during the Civil War years when the Mint was simultaneously managing wartime coinage demands and exploring post-war design possibilities, the 1863 dime patterns document the government's forward-looking approach to coinage design even amid the nation's greatest crisis. Rated Rarity-7 to R-8 with an estimated 3 to 5 specimens known, Judd-330b occupies the apex of rarity within its compositional family. For pattern collectors pursuing complete compositional sets, the "b" variant represents the most challenging acquisition, as its limited production and two-century survival bottleneck have left fewer examples available to the collecting community than either the base composition or the second variant.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 to R-8. Typically the scarcest of the J-330 variants. Estimated 3-5 specimens known.

Cross References

Judd-330b; related to Judd-330 (Pollock-382)