Lot 3290
1869 Pattern Three Dollars. Copper, reeded edge. . J-772. . P-857. PCGS graded Proof 64 Brown. In an old green label holder. Red wood brown. Pop 1; none higher. Only example reported by PCGS, None reported by NGC. Obverse and reverse: The dies used to coin regular-issue Proof coins this year. And what a spectacular original brown Proof it is, landing right on the knife's edge between the Proof 64 and Proof 65 classifications, and indeed, to all intents and purposes, a gem. The swirling coppery brown surfaces show indications of original faded red color on both sides. The color is irregular but nevertheless gives a presentable appearance for the appreciative viewer.
Nearly every year the Mint produced "regular dies trial pieces" as numismatists refer to them. Whether made to test the dies -- or simply for sale to collectors as profitable novelties -- they are usually in softer metal than the production coin (which seems to point to the former); however, some trial pieces were struck in much harder alloys, and may have been pure pieces d' caprice. Most of these die trial pieces were made in limited numbers. Since these were intended solely to test the dies and there was no consideration give to distributing them to Congressmen so as to influence a decision for a design change, only a small number were made. Judd estimates 4 to 12 known (Rarity-7) for the typical die trial piece. As a consequence, only a small number of collectors can own these wonderful Patterns (PCGS # 61003) .
Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,500.
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