Lot 452
1837 Liberty Seated Dime. NGC graded Proof 65. Wonderful blue and golden toing. Very Rare. Greer-102. "All Proofs of this first-year issue are of the Large Date variety," observes the Heritage cataloger. The diagnostic die scratch on the reverse from the rim above the first T in STATES is visible on this coin under a loupe, as well as a faint die scratch through the ES and O in STATES OF. The later feature is also diagnostic of this issue. Writing in 1977, Breen states that perhaps 20 examples of this rare first-year Proof are extant, some of which are impaired. In his 1988 Encyclopedia, however, the author states that "30+" Proof 1837 No Stars Dimes are extant. Regardless of which, if either, of these estimates is accurate, there is no doubt that this Proof issue is one of the premier rarities in the Seated Dime series.
An unquestionably desirable rarity for a first-year Proof type collection, this is a fully original Gem whose deep, rich, charcoal-gray toning explodes into vibrant rainbow colored overtones. The fields shimmer as the viewer rotates the coin beneath a strong light, making it easy to see that the devices are extraordinarily well formed. "The quintessential representative of Christian Gobrecht's original conception of the Seated Liberty Dime." In a new 4 pronged NGC holder. Pop 1; 3 finer; 1 in 66; 2 in 67.
Gobrecht dollars introduced in 1836-39 what would in time come to be the most coveted of the Seated Liberty silver dollar collector coins. However, the first examples of Gobrecht's work to make it into actual circulation production were the No Stars dimes and half dimes of 1837.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000.
The Mark Gordon Collection.
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| Realized $19,550 |
