Lot 1835
1822 Proof Dime, JR-1. PCGS graded Proof 66. An extremely rare coin in proof, of which there are perhaps just two known. This one is by far the finest graded and the finest known. One other proof 1822 dime has been seen, that coin is PCGS graded PR-63. Breen also estimates that two are known, with a third rumored and similarly three proofs are estimated in Early United States Dimes 1796-1837 variety book on the series, although the third specimen has not made an auction appearance that we could locate. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that just two specimens exist in proof. It is possible that the rumor of a third specimen is simply a reappearance of this or the other proof specimen. Mint records do not reflect the issuance of proofs until decades after this one was struck and are therefore not a reliable source. A classic rarity in every sense of the word, and truly a museum piece for the connoisseur.
Naturally, this coin is of stunning quality to attain such a high grade from PCGS. The surfaces are pristine. The toning is simply gorgeous, with deep iridescent gold, blue and green forming a halo around Liberty on the obverse, while the reverse is a lighter gray with a ring of blue at the rim. Boldly struck on all the central devices, with the obverse stars strong on the right, while those on the left side show partial radial lines at the center of the stars, they are not quite full. Complete proof characteristics on both the obverse and reverse. Liberty herself boasts excellent mint frost which gives this coin a cameo appearance.
Despite the mintage of 100,000 pieces struck in 1822, it is very likely that most of those reported were dated 1821 (Breen), as so few 1822 dimes are known today. The authors of the dime variety book estimate that just 300 are known in all grades, far too few for a mintage of 100,000 given the normal mathematical survival ratios! This is one of the great rarities of the 19th century, and this particular example is clearly the finest known example of the date. A foremost American rarity that would be impossible to duplicate for any price (PCGS # 4540) .
Estimated Value $125,000 - 175,000.
Ex: Abe Kosoff's World's Greatest Collection Sale, 5/12/45:467; Stack's, James Aloysius Stack Collection, 1/16/90:28.
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