Lot 1269
1876. PCGS graded PR Genuine, Tooled UNC Details. A very rare date. Only 45 examples struck. A slightly impaired coin with some faint hairlines and equally slight surface contact. Typical fine detail for this issue, where all devices are smartly struck by the dies. (Proofs are struck twice by the specially prepared dies in most instances, there are a few exceptions.)
A widely known rarity that was issued in Proof without attendant circulation strikes. As the Bowers reference refers to this date: "Déjà vu 1875." Mint records for the date enumerate 45 Proofs, though today's collectors feel more comfortable with a modestly higher mintage figure, after reviewing the known survivors from the mintage. Referring again to the Bowers reference, the author approaches the "how many" question succinctly with: "As to how many were actually struck and how rare they are today, guesses are aplenty and facts are scarce. The authors estimate that perhaps 40 to 60 are known, this based upon the historical record and considered opinion." Traces of die rust can be seen on the obverse, particularly among the headdress feathers and among the letters LIBERTY on the headband. A splendid opportunity to obtain one of the great rarities in American numismatics, certainly one of the great prizes in the $3 series (PCGS # 8040) .
Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000.
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| Realized $16,450 |
