1880 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1655

Coin Details

Auction Record

$12,000 CH PR 03-17-1992 Stack's

Description

The copper striking of the miniature 22mm goloid metric dollar design, J-1655 renders the compressed dollar concept in copper with a reeded edge. At barely over two centimeters across, this is among the smallest dollar-denomination patterns in American numismatic history, and the copper composition makes the size reduction even more striking — in copper, the coin contains only a few cents' worth of metal, yet bears the inscription ONE DOLLAR. The piece documents one extreme of the spectrum of possibilities the Mint explored for the goloid metric program: if the alloy was truly counterfeit-proof as Dr. Hubbell claimed, then a small, lightweight coin might suffice for the dollar denomination. Slightly over a dozen copper examples survive, making this the most accessible composition in the miniature goloid metric group. The bright red surfaces of well-preserved copper specimens show exceptional detail given the coin's diminutive size.

Rarity Notes

R-7. Approximately 12-15 examples are estimated to survive. Among the more available 1880 miniature goloid metric dollar varieties.

Cross References

Judd J-1655, Pollock P-1855