1977 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-2171

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,150 PR69 03-08-2021 eBay

Description

A proof dollar pattern from 1977, produced during the early development phase of what would become the Susan B. Anthony dollar. By 1977, the U.S. Mint was actively exploring a small-format dollar coin to replace the large and unpopular Eisenhower dollar, which at 38.1mm and 22.68 grams was too bulky for everyday commerce and had never achieved significant circulation. Congress and the Treasury Department were evaluating both the size and the design for the proposed new dollar, and J-2171 represents one of the experimental pieces struck during this formative period. The concept of a smaller dollar had been debated since the early 1970s, with proposals ranging from an 11-sided polygon to various round formats between 24mm and 28mm in diameter. Vending machine manufacturers strongly advocated for a dollar coin that could be easily distinguished from the quarter by size and electromagnetic signature, a requirement that would ultimately drive the selection of the distinctive 11-sided inner border (reeded edge with smooth polygon) that characterized the SBA dollar. This pattern documents the exploratory work that preceded the controversial final design.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (Extremely Rare). Dollar patterns from the pre-SBA development period survive in very limited numbers.

Cross References

Judd J-2171