(1977-78) Proof Dollar Pattern - P-5445, GOULD

Coin Details

Description

Pollock-5445 in proof finish represents the pinnacle of the Gould Inc. experimental program — a composition important enough to receive both a Pollock catalog designation and proof production, making it the single most significant piece in the Gould series. The proof version of P-5445 was struck to demonstrate that Gould's premier alloy candidate could meet the full range of Mint production requirements, from high-speed business-strike coinage to low-volume, high-quality proof production. The fact that this composition carries a Pollock number (denoting broader numismatic recognition), exists in both MS and PF versions (denoting Mint confidence in its performance), and stands as one of only four Gould pieces to receive any distinguishing treatment (alongside RB-1515 MS/PF and P-5425) positions it as the flagship of Gould's proposal. While the Mint ultimately did not adopt any external alloy for the Susan B. Anthony dollar, the proof P-5445 demonstrates that at least one Gould composition could produce coinage of the highest quality — the decision to go with clad was driven by economic and logistical considerations rather than any technical shortcoming in the Gould alloys.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Extremely rare. No NGC census image available. As the proof version of the most significant Pollock-cataloged Gould composition, this is arguably the single rarest and most important piece in the entire Gould experimental series.

Cross References

Pollock P-5445 (PF); Gould Inc. experimental program; cf. P-5445 (MS) for business-strike version; cf. RB-1515 (PF) (only other Gould proof dollar pattern); cf. P-5425 (MS, other Pollock-cataloged Gould composition)