(1976) Blank Pattern - RB-2010, GOULD

Coin Details

Description

Reed-Brenner 2010 is a second dime-sized unstruck blank planchet from the Gould Inc. experimental program, representing a distinct alloy composition from RB-2000. The separate catalog number indicates that the two blanks differ in their metallic formulation, with each testing a different copper-nickel or copper-based alloy recipe proposed by Gould for the new small dollar denomination. The Mint's evaluation criteria for these experimental alloys included visual similarity to existing coinage (to avoid public confusion), adequate hardness for sustained circulation, resistance to tarnishing and corrosion, acceptable electromagnetic properties for vending machine compatibility, and cost-effective production at scale. The dime-sized blanks in the RB-2000 series served as a preliminary screening step, allowing metallurgists to evaluate alloy behavior during the blanking process without the expense of preparing full-size dollar planchets or striking dies. Pieces that demonstrated acceptable physical characteristics at the dime size could then be scaled up to the dollar-sized RB-1xxx series for further testing with actual dies. This staged approach was typical of the Mint's experimental methodology during the 1970s dollar coin program.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8. Extremely rare experimental blank. The dime-sized Gould blanks are among the least frequently encountered pieces from the 1970s dollar program, as fewer were produced than the struck dollar-sized test pieces.

Cross References

Reed-Brenner RB-2010; Gould Inc. experimental program; cf. RB-2000 (dime-sized blank variant), RB-2100/RB-2200 (quarter-sized blanks)