Lot 600
EXTREMELY RARE 1878 J-1555 PATTERN DOLLAR IN COPPER. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red. Here we have a magnificent specimen of this extremely rare pattern issue. Only two have been graded by PCGS in the Red category, while 6 have been seen in Red and Brown. This is among the very best known of perhaps a dozen that survive. The surfaces have a mellow red color throughout, and show surprisingly little contact from other coins. Obviously this coin was set aside at the time of issue, and carefully preserved to this day. The strike is bold, too, as one would expect on a proof coin.
The obverse design is by William Barber after his $50 pattern issue of 1877. As to the reverse, it also is by William Barber and shows an erect eagle with spread wings holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left.
However you look at this coin, it is a splendid gem and one that will always generate excitement whenever it appears on the market.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
From Bowers and Merena Inc's H. W. Bass Jr. part I sale, May 1999, lot 1281.
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