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

Coin Details

Description

Reed-Brenner 1515 in proof finish is one of only two Gould compositions struck as proof specimens for the small dollar evaluation program. Proof strikings in experimental programs serve a specific technical purpose beyond aesthetics: they demonstrate how an alloy performs under the heightened striking pressures and specialized preparation required for proof coinage. The proof process involves polishing the planchet to a mirror finish, carefully cleaning and preparing the dies, and striking the piece two or more times at elevated tonnage to produce the characteristic mirrored fields and frosted devices that distinguish proof coins from business strikes. An alloy that performs well in business-strike production but poorly under proof conditions — exhibiting die adhesion, inadequate metal flow, or rapid loss of frost — would be unsuitable for a denomination that the Mint intended to produce in both formats. The proof version of RB-1515 thus answers a question that the business-strike version cannot: can this alloy produce attractive, high-quality proof coins at the new dollar's target diameter and weight? The rarity of proof strikings in the Gould series — only two compositions received this treatment — underscores the selectivity of the proof testing phase.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Extremely rare. No NGC census image available for the proof version. Proof Gould experimental dollars are among the rarest pieces in the modern pattern series, with very few specimens known to exist.

Cross References

Reed-Brenner RB-1515 (PF); Gould Inc. experimental program; cf. RB-1515 (MS) for business-strike version; cf. P-5445 (PF) (only other Gould proof dollar pattern)