1882 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1703b

Coin Details

Description

Copper striking from 1882 Trade Dollar dies, constituting a die trial or off-metal striking of the Trade Dollar design on a copper planchet. The obverse features William Barber's seated Liberty facing left, extending an olive branch toward the Orient with LIBERTY on a ribbon and IN GOD WE TRUST above, surrounded by thirteen stars and the date 1882. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle perching on a bundle of arrows above an olive branch, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TRADE DOLLAR around the border and E PLURIBUS UNUM on a ribbon. By 1882, the Trade Dollar had been demonetized for domestic use (its legal tender status was revoked in 1876), and production was limited to proof strikings for collectors. This copper die trial from Trade Dollar dies represents the intersection of two collecting specialties — pattern coins and Trade Dollars — making it exceptionally desirable. The copper composition allows full appreciation of the design details that are sometimes softened on silver strikings.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). Very few specimens documented. Copper Trade Dollar die trials from any year are rare.

Cross References

Judd J-1703b, Pollock P-1907