Cert # 308757-001

Coin Number 152

This is likely the finest known Proof example from this year. Only 45 proofs were struck and today between 16 and 20 are known, some of those known are impounded. This one is a solid gem with fantastic contrast between the frosted devices and mirror fields. The mintage was a bit higher likely due to the Centennial year of our country’s founding. However, still less than half of the original mintage is known today. Similar to the rarity of the 1875 issue, business strikes were issued in tiny numbers for this particular year. It is noteworthy that the Proof eagles were struck with a separate obverse die with the date punched very low, and die rust lumps appear on Liberty’s jaw line and at the end of her eyebrow, seen on all Proofs as small raised dots on the coins struck. The reverse die was used to strike Proof eagles in 1866 through 1875 prior to this issue. This is simply an incredible gem with unending eye appeal and spectacular surfaces.