1915 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1793a-1/1965

Coin Details

Auction Record

$33,350 PR62 11-07-2003 Heritage Auctions

Description

The first sub-variety of the J-1793a Pan-Pacific dollar pattern series, also cross-cataloged as entry 1965 in alternative references. This proof striking represents one of nine documented die pairings or compositional variants within the J-1793a family, all related to the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition commemorative program. The extensive sub-variety sequence — unusual for pattern coinage — indicates that the Mint or its engravers explored multiple die combinations, compositions, and edge treatments for this particular dollar design concept. Sub-variety 1 represents the primary die pairing from which subsequent variants were derived, establishing the baseline obverse-reverse combination. The Panama-Pacific dollar patterns are significant because no silver dollar was ultimately included in the exposition's commemorative coinage program, which consisted of five denominations ranging from the half dollar to the $50 gold piece. These dollar patterns document a denomination that was seriously considered but not adopted, preserving design concepts that would otherwise have been lost to history. The proof format, with its carefully prepared mirror fields and frosted devices, ensured that design details could be evaluated under optimal conditions by the Commission of Fine Arts and Mint Director Robert W. Woolley.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (Extremely Rare). Pan-Pacific dollar pattern sub-varieties are individually very rare, with most known in single digits.

Cross References

Judd J-1793a-1, also cataloged as 1965