1883 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1720a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,600, PR63, Superior Galleries, January 29, 1996.

Description

The sole dollar-denomination pattern from 1883, J-1720a stands apart from the extensive five-cent pattern series that dominates this year's experimental output. Struck in copper with a reeded edge, this proof dollar pattern was produced during a period when the Morgan silver dollar was in its fifth year of mandated production under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, and the Mint's dollar-denomination experimental work had shifted from the active design exploration of the late 1870s to more occasional studies. The copper composition indicates this was an off-metal striking — dollar patterns were frequently produced in copper to allow design evaluation without expending silver — and the resulting red-brown surfaces provide a different visual perspective on the design than a silver striking would offer. The PCGS designation "RB" (Red-Brown) for surviving specimens indicates that the original copper surfaces have partially toned from their original mint red color, as is typical for copper patterns of this vintage. J-1720a's separation from the nickel pattern sequence by only a fraction of a catalog number belies the fundamental difference in denomination and purpose — where the nickel patterns documented an active design transition, this dollar pattern represents a more routine experimental exercise within an established production program.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Very Rare to Extremely Rare). Very few examples are known. Superior Galleries offered a PR63 specimen on January 29, 1996.

Cross References

Judd J-1720a, Pollock P-1928