(1977-78) Dollar Pattern - RB-1515, GOULD

Coin Details

Description

Reed-Brenner 1515 is the final and most significant entry in the RB-1500 fine-resolution cluster, and the only composition in the entire Gould dollar series for which both business-strike and proof versions were produced. The decision to strike proof examples of RB-1515 represents a qualitative endorsement: among all the alloy compositions submitted by Gould, this one was deemed sufficiently promising to warrant demonstration-quality specimens struck with extra pressure on specially prepared, polished planchets. Proof striking tests different properties than business-strike production — it evaluates the alloy's ability to achieve mirror-like fields, frosted devices, and sharp edge definition, characteristics that matter for collector coinage and presentation pieces. The fact that the Mint invested the additional effort and expense of proof production for this specific composition indicates it was a leading candidate in the final evaluation. The RB-1515 business-strike version (this entry) provides the standard baseline data, while the companion proof version demonstrates the alloy's premium-finish capabilities.

Rarity Notes

R-7. Very rare. NGC census records an image for the MS version. This is the only Gould RB composition with both business-strike and proof versions, making RB-1515 the most collected Gould number.

Cross References

Reed-Brenner RB-1515 (MS); Gould Inc. experimental program; cf. RB-1515 (PF) for proof version; cf. RB-1500/RB-1505/RB-1510 (cluster companions)