1999 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-2185, Martha Washington

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,345 PR63 10-30-2014 eBay

Description

A proof version of the Martha Washington dollar pattern, struck with polished dies to showcase the First Lady's portrait at its finest level of detail and surface quality. The proof finish accentuates the sculptural qualities of Martha Washington's portrait — the texture of her hair, the folds of her clothing, and the fine lettering around the border all benefit from the mirror-field and frosted-device contrast that defines proof coinage. This proof specimen represents the premium presentation format of the Martha Washington dollar concept, the kind of piece that would have been included in collector proof sets had the design been adopted for production. The proof Martha Washington dollar also demonstrates how the design would have performed in the high-quality format that modern collectors have come to expect from the Mint's annual proof set offerings. Comparing this proof specimen with the business-strike version of J-2185 reveals the range of surface presentations available within a single design, from the satiny finish of a production coin to the brilliant mirror fields of a carefully struck proof.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (Extremely Rare). Proof Martha Washington dollar patterns may be rarer than their business-strike counterparts.

Cross References

Judd J-2185 (Proof Martha Washington variant). Part of the Martha Washington pattern series.