Lot 1259
1852 Pattern Gold Dollar. Silver, plain edge, thin planchet. Judd-138. Pollock-165. Rarity Low 7. NGC graded Proof 65 CAC Approved. Lightly toned with natural patination, the simple design on this trial piece shows clear detail in the lettering and date. In 1852, the Mint experimented with increasing the size of the Gold Dollar without increasing the amount of gold in each coin. Two methods were considered - adding more metal (copper or silver) to the alloy or increasing the diameter of the coin and perforating the center. The first method was never tried because it was known that adding silver would turn the alloy white and adding copper would turn the alloy red. Thus, the second method was tried, first by perforating previously struck coins, then by creating new dies specifically designed to produce perforated or "annulated" coins. Judd 138 may have been one of the earliest types produced in silver. Oddly, one of the two known Judd-137 examples struck in gold is claimed to have been struck over an 1846 Quarter Eagle. It is believed that some of the issue was struck in 1859 or later, as the underlying coin of another Judd-137, is an 1859 Quarter Eagle. The question arises, Could the silver Judd-138s have also been minted as late as 1859? Pop 6; 1 in PF-66.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500.
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