1885 $1 J-1747 Lettered Edge PR(PCGS#62189)

The June 2011 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

9083

等级

PR62

价格

27,944

详细说明

1885 Pattern Morgan Silver Dollar. Judd-1747, Pollock-1959. Rarity-6-. Proof-62 (PCGS). 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar. McKinley Portrait. MS-66 (PCGS). This is the pattern Snowden dollar, struck in silver from regular issue 1885 Morgan silver dollar dies, but with the edge lettered as follows: ***** E * / PLURIBUS * / UNUM *****. The edge lettering is comprised of three segments, each equal to one third the circumference of the coin.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attributed to A. Loudon Snowden, patterns of this type were meant to combat counterfeiting by introducing a lettered edge that would be much more difficult to duplicate outside the Mint than a&nbsp;reeded edge. Snowden apparently also thought that the lettered edge design was an aesthetically pleasing feature and, as the lettering is raised on the edge, the process of imparting it without damaging the letters required considerable skill. Although the process was eventually perfected, as illustrated by the extant patterns, the project never reached&nbsp;regular issue production apparently because of Snowden's resignation from the Mint before the end of 1885.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A highlight of the Jarapendo Collection, as all patterns Morgan dollars are of the utmost desirability to specialized collectors, this piece is richly toned in mostly antique-gold patina. Wisps of bolder russet tinting are also scattered about on the obverse. Overall muted in appearance due to the toning, yet revealing no outwardly distracting marks or other blemishes.