1876-CC 10C Type B SP(PCGS#4789)

Orlando 2008 Elite

拍卖行

Superior Galleries

批号

110

等级

PR65

价格

1,296,407

详细说明

After many hours of exhaustive research and visiting with several prominent numismatists, this researcher (JRJ) has been unable to find out exactly why any proof dimes were struck in 1876 at Carson City. Theories range from presentation to dignitaries to an unofficial commemoration of America’s Centennial year. Mint records do not contain any information on quantities struck (if they were for presentation), and who the lucky recipients might have been. Starting in 1838 at New Orleans, 20 branch mint proof half dollars were struck, ostensibly to test a new coining press. This practice continued in various years not only at New Orleans, but also at San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver until 1907 according to Walter Breen. Interestingly enough, the 1876-CC dime is not listed in Breen’s Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins. Approximately 12 years ago, I had the pleasure to catalog a collection of branch mint proof Morgan dollars struck in both New Orleans and Carson City. While closely examining each specimen coin, it was clear the quality was somewhat lacking from that seen on similar Philadelphia Mint proof issues. It became apparent that the Mint employees at the branch mints were not accustomed to producing proofs for presentation, hence, traces of die rust, incomplete strikes, die cracks, and incomplete polishing were often present on those coins. These factors do not come into play on this example. Close examination reveals at least two (possibly three) impressions of the coining dies on a highly polished planchet. A high, sharp wire edge is visible around the circumference as indicated on most proof coinage. Full detail is brought up on Liberty's head, the upper left leaves of the wreath, and the kernels of wheat on the wreath. Attractive blue-green and argent-gray toning overlays each side, with subtle antique-gold accents at the reverse border lending a fully original appearance. For future identification purposes, several lateral hairlines are seen in the right obverse field from Liberty’s drapery to the E of AMERICA. Also, the depth of the toning wanes at the bases of the CC mintmark making both Cs appear doubled in a photograph, which they are not. We theorize that all the Proof (and Specimen Strikes) were struck from a single die pairing. These dies are distinguished by a tiny die chip present just below Liberty’s left (facing) knee, and noticeable recutting on the E of ONE at the lower right base and on the E of CENT to the left of the upright. These characteristics are also present on an NGC certified MS65 Specimen that was offered by RARCOA in 1990, Heritage in 1992, and 1996, and most recently in the Stack’s November 2007 sale. That particular coin exhibits numerous diagonal die striations over the obverse, these not being present on the presently offered piece. One theory is the striated example was a “first strike” from a freshly brushed obverse die and these striations subsequently disappeared on later strikes. We have traced the pedigree of this coin to the September 1983 Stack’s sale, lot 677 titled A Discovery Piece 1876-CC Dime in Proof. Presently, this is the only specimen certified by PCGS, another (uncertified) specimen is believed by the consignor to be in the Smithsonian Collection although we cannot verify that. Four “Mint State Specimen Strikings,” have been seen at NGC, although we feel this number might be inflated by resubmissions of the same coin. PCGS has graded this coin Proof 65, the only graded proof, and it is housed in an early green label holder. We would like to make a final footnote regarding our (attempted) research on this exceedingly rare, important coin. Quite possibly, the three finest coin collections in America belong to the Smithsonian Institution, the American Numismatic Society, and the American Numismatic Association. None of these prestigious collections has an inventory listing, photo gallery, or cataloged descriptions of their coins that are available to the general public. The Smithsonian Collection is not on display and in permanent storage. The ANA Collection can be partially viewed in Colorado Springs, but no listing or photo archive is available, the ANS Collection can be partially viewed by visiting New York with a prior appointment. Again, no usable listing, cataloging data, or photos are available. Its too bad in this age of modern technology, digital photography, and high speed computers, these multi-million dollar collections lie in recluse from most people that would benefit the most from their educational value. Estimated Value $100,000 - 150,000 (#4789) Ex: The Irene Collection.