1882 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1703

Coin Details

Auction Record

PR66 Red and Brown Cameo NGC realized $25,300 at Heritage Auctions, January 2009.

Description

Copper striking of a Morgan dollar pattern from 1882, utilizing the same obverse and reverse dies as the regular-issue 1882 Morgan Silver Dollar but struck on a copper planchet. The obverse features Morgan's iconic Liberty Head facing left with flowing hair, wearing the familiar Phrygian cap wreathed with cotton and wheat, surrounded by E PLURIBUS UNUM and thirteen stars. The reverse displays the heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching olive branch and arrows, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR around the border and IN GOD WE TRUST above. These copper die trials of regular-issue Morgan dollar dies were produced to verify die quality and alignment before committing the dies to production strikes on silver planchets. The copper composition gives the coin a distinctive reddish-brown appearance and sometimes produces sharper details than silver strikings due to copper's superior flow characteristics under pressure. These pieces were retained by Mint officials and later entered the numismatic market through estate sales.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (Extremely Rare). High R.7 per Heritage Auctions. Fewer than 5-8 specimens traced.

Cross References

Judd J-1703, Pollock P-1905