1870 Proof Dime Pattern - J-856

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,400 CH PR 03-17-1992 Stack's

Description

The plain-edge silver version of the modified Seated Liberty obverse with Standard wreath reverse. This die combination is particularly interesting because it demonstrates Barber's attempt to reconcile the familiar seated figure — a design language Americans had known since Christian Gobrecht's original of the late 1830s — with the revolutionary Standard Silver reverse that signaled reduced silver content. By maintaining the traditional obverse format while introducing a new reverse, this approach represented a conservative transition strategy that eased public acceptance of a lighter-weight silver dime.

Rarity Notes

R-7. Estimated 4-12 examples survive.

Cross References

Judd-856, Pollock-936