1915 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1793a-4/1966

Coin Details

Description

The fourth sub-variety in the J-1793a Pan-Pacific dollar pattern sequence, paired with alternative catalog number 1966 alongside sub-variety 3. The shared catalog number indicates these two sub-varieties employ the same fundamental die pairing but differ in a secondary characteristic — composition, as the Mint routinely struck patterns in silver, copper, and sometimes aluminum or white metal from the same die pair to evaluate the design's appearance across different media. The Panama-Pacific Exposition's commemorative coinage was authorized by Congress in January 1915, giving the Mint less than a month to finalize designs before the exposition opened on February 20. This compressed timeline may explain the extensive pattern production: with multiple design proposals under simultaneous consideration, the Mint generated numerous trial strikes to facilitate rapid decision-making. The dollar denomination ultimately fell outside the authorized program, but the pattern evidence indicates it advanced further in the design process than previously appreciated. Sub-variety 4 preserves one facet of this complex evaluation, contributing to the documentary record of a pivotal moment in American commemorative coinage history.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). Most sub-varieties survive in fewer than five specimens.

Cross References

Judd J-1793a-4, also cataloged as 1966