1885 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1751

Coin Details

Auction Record

$21,738 PR65 12-08-2022 Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Description

Judd-1751 is an 1885 Morgan dollar pattern struck in copper with a reeded edge, the final entry in the six-variety 1885 Morgan dollar pattern series. The obverse displays George T. Morgan's classic Liberty head facing left and the reverse his heraldic eagle, both from the standard production dies of the year. The copper composition gives this piece a warm reddish-brown to deep chocolate-brown tone, depending on the degree of oxidation, creating a striking visual contrast with the silver, aluminum, and white metal companions in the 1885 dollar series. Copper patterns of dollar denomination are unusual — the Mint more commonly struck copper patterns for cent-sized denominations — and the existence of J-1751 reflects the comprehensive nature of the 1885 pattern production program. The piece carries no experimental design intent, as the Morgan dollar design was fully mature by 1885, but copper strikings served the dual purpose of testing die quality and supplying the collector market with composition variants. With very few examples known, J-1751 ranks among the rarer 1885 dollar patterns, though it has appeared at auction more frequently than the white metal J-1750.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8. Approximately 3 to 5 specimens estimated.

Cross References

Judd J-1751, Pollock P-1964