1865 $3 J-444 PR(PCGS#60630)

The November 2012 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3208

等级

PR60

价格

80,755

详细说明

The Unique Pattern 1865 Three Dollar Gold Piece in Nickel 1865 Pattern Three Dollars. Judd-444, Pollock-515. Rarity-8. Nickel. Reeded Edge. Proof-60 (PCGS). OGH. This is a very interesting piece since, although the obverse and reverse designs are the same that the Mint used to strike regular issue three-dollar gold pieces, the obverse is the die that was not used to strike regular issue proofs until 1867. This 1865 dated "die trial," therefore, appears to be a restrike from circa 1867. The date 1865 on the reverse is more centered in the field, to distinguish this type from an even later copper restrike (Judd-441) produced using the obverse die of 1872. Judd-444 is struck in nickel with a reeded edge. There is also some confusion regarding both the rarity and pedigree of this piece. Although the 10th edition of the Judd pattern reference assigns Judd-444 a Rarity-8 rating, this piece may be unique. Only one example is pedigreed in the 1994 pattern book by Andrew W. Pollock III -- Ex: Farouk -- and the website uspatterns.com also states that only the Farouk piece is confirmed. The present example is probably the Farouk coin, and it is also probably unique for the Judd-444 type; it is definitely the only example certified by both PCGS and NGC. Dominant golden-gray surfaces reveal streaks of tannish-rose patina in isolated areas, pale-pink highlights also flashing into view at more direct angles. The fields are only semi mirrored in finish, a curious feature for a proof, but perhaps attributable to the fact that nickel is a very hard coinage metal that requires extra planchet and die preparation to impart a deeply reflective finish. The strike is sharp and, while few other significant marks are seen, a moderate size dig in the obverse field before Liberty's nose readily lends itself for pedigree purposes. One of the most intriguing pieces among the extensive pattern offerings in this sale, and a "must have" coin for the specialist. PCGS# 60630. Provenance: From the Richard C. Jewell Collection. Earlier from Heritage's sale of the Charles City County Collection (Denver ANA Auction), August 1996, lot 5107 and Stack's Orlando Sale, January 2007, lot 1027 and our ANA Auction, August, 2011, lot 7494. Also Ex: King Farouk of Egypt. PCGS Population: 1; none finer.