Lot 595
1869 Pattern Dime. Aluminum, reeded edge. One of the "Standard Silver" Patterns, here in a definite, off-metal version. Bright, Prooflike surfaces with just a thin layer of toning, perhaps a micron or two thick. High wire rims appear around parts of both sides -- two "teeth" have been bent over at 2:00 on the obverse. A neat lamination "flap" is ready to be pulled up at AMERICA (but, please don't) and a lamination streak runs diagonally across the top of the reverse. Apparently, aluminum did not turn out to be the dream metal that officials hoped it would be -- it was prone to laminations and it was quick to oxidize. Hence, American has never had a regular issue coin made of aluminum, despite the many patterns made of the metal.
Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,100.
|
| |
| Realized $2,530 |
