1876 (CC) Proof Dime Die Trial - J-1453a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$16,100 PR63 01-08-2000 Heritage Auctions

Description

This proof die trial from the Carson City Mint represents a remarkable convergence of two extreme rarities: Carson City provenance and proof finish. The Carson City Mint was not generally known for producing proof coinage — that was almost exclusively the province of the Philadelphia Mint — making a proof die trial from the CC facility an extraordinary anomaly. The proof designation indicates the dies were polished to produce a mirror-like field, and the planchet was specially prepared to achieve the sharp, frosted relief against brilliant surfaces that characterizes proof coinage. The Judd-1453a designation distinguishes this proof die trial from the non-proof J-1453b variety, with the "a" suffix typically indicating the first or finest version in the Judd catalog sequence. The Seated Liberty dime design is rendered with exceptional clarity in the proof format, with every strand of Liberty's hair, every leaf in the wreath, and the delicate CC mintmark all crisply defined. The 1876 date coincides with the United States Centennial, a year of heightened numismatic interest when the Mint produced numerous special pieces for collectors and dignitaries. Whether this proof die trial was created for a similar commemorative purpose or purely as an internal quality assessment is undocumented, but its existence from Carson City makes it a piece of the highest numismatic importance.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare, unique. Proof die trials from the Carson City Mint are virtually unheard of; this may be the only known proof-quality die trial with a CC mintmark.

Cross References

Judd-1453a