The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part III

Exciting Proof 1863 Gold $1

Key to the Series

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39     1863 Proof-64 (PCGS). Extremely deep mirrored Proof fields with heavily frosted, lustrous devices. A wonderful cameo Proof and a scarce year as well. Very sharply struck with only a few very minor hairlines and other abrasions. Although the stated Proof mintage of 50 coins suggests a higher population, only 12 to 15 examples are known today. Most likely, only about 30 Proofs were actually distributed, the rest were later melted as unsold. All Proofs were struck on March 23, 1863.

The desirability of the 1863 Proof gold dollar—not that it needs any enhancement—is increased by the fact that Mint State coins of this date are the rarest of the decade and are seldom met with, even in "name" collections. Thus, additional market pressure is placed upon the small available supply of Proofs. Among Proofs, very few in existence combine the high grade and excellent eye appeal of the present coin.

From Stack’s sale of the Shapero Collection, October 1971, Lot 703.

Choice Proof 1864 Gold Dollar

Another Classic

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40     1864 Proof-63 (PCGS). Light greenish yellow gold with cameo devices on obverse and reverse. Numerous minor hairlines are visible. Splashes of deep coppery toning are visible on either side. Similar to 1863, only 50 Proofs were struck on February 11, 1864 with about 30 coins actually sold. Today, just 12 to 15 of these still exist. Throughout the 1990s, just five Proofs appeared for sale at auction.

This is another coin combining rarity with a generous amount of eye appeal. Although PCGS has graded it Proof-63, take our word for it (if you wish) that this is nicer than some Proof gold dollars we have seen graded all the way to Proof-65. Harry Bass was a connoisseur when he made purchases, and this coin was selected for its quality. The new owner of this piece will be justifiably proud.

PCGS Population: 3; 5 finer (Proof-66 finest).

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, December 21, 1971.

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41     1864 MS-62. Lustrous light yellow gold with numerous tiny marks and hairlines. Still attractive and rare. Only 5,900 were struck, with 2,400 delivered on February 23, and 3,500 on December 6, according to Walter Breen. We are not aware of any way to determine which delivery a given coin came from.

Year in and year out a Mint State 1864 gold dollar has been regarded as a prime numismatic classic. In the "gold coin project" now underway we have reviewed several thousand historical auction catalogues and, as these particular words are being written (on February 17) have made detailed notes on over 1,200 of the most important—with hundreds more yet to come. Without fear of contradiction we can state that decades ago a Mint State 1864 gold dollar was considered to be a numismatic prize, was one of the most highly valued Philadelphia Mint issues in the entire series, and was eagerly sought. Today in the year 2000, sometimes foundational rarity is overlooked in the quest for numbers, etc., but still the 1864 gold dollar is as desirable as ever—it just takes a bit more searching to discover its true importance.

We notice this piece came from the Champa Collection, consigned by a prominent numismatist of Louisville, Kentucky, who collected gold coins, patterns, and other items. After he sold his collection through us, he did not want to give up numismatics and embarked on a completely different tangent, building on the modest library he had gathered in relation to pattern coins, and going on to form one of the most impressive libraries in American numismatic history.

From our sale of the Armand Champa Collection, May 1972, Lot 505.

Curious "Proof" 1865 Gold Dollar

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42     1865 Proof-62, or possibly prooflike MS-62. A curious piece which is quite unlike any other 1865 gold dollar we recall seeing. Harry Bass in his notes attributed this as a Proof restrike, noting that the reverse die is different from the Proof held by the American Numismatic Society, although it shared the same obverse. Harry Bass in his studies also stated, with a question mark at the end, "two known?"—indicating that he had not heard of any others, while at the same time he had evaluated multiple examples of the "regular" dies.

This piece seems to have been struck from dies with a very deep, indeed heavy "orange peel" surface, particularly on the reverse. There is also a planchet chip. The surfaces are somewhat irregular, although highly prooflike, no doubt intended as a Proof, and in our opinion attributable as one.

The production quantity of Proofs for the 1865 was reported as 50, to which restrikes were added, with Walter Breen noting that some of these might not be restrikes at all in the traditional sense, as they may have been produced in the year dated, 1865. Whatever the origin, the piece does not have the depth of brilliance of a regular Proof and was probably produced to create a specimen of the date for sale to collectors in an era in which the dates of the mid-1860s were recognized as being worth several dollars each, when certain later and earlier dates were worth not much more than face value.

This piece is deserving of further study, perhaps with our notes serving as a starting point. It would be interesting to learn from anyone who has an example from the same dies.

Lightly frosted cameo devices and mirrored fields have numerous tiny abrasions and other imperfections. The reverse has a wavy, dished appearance. Perhaps a restrike with a different date position from circulation strikes. A heavy lint mark is attached to the reverse border at 12:00.

Mint reports indicate 25 Proofs were struck. Probably most or all of these were actually distributed, with 12 to 15 known today. This information helps us with the previous Proof coinage of 1863 and 1864, also with 12 to 15 known today, yet with a reported mintage of 50 coins in each year.

In his Proof Coin Encyclopedia, Walter Breen noted that restrikes exist, and stated that these may have been produced as early as late 1865. Of course, if struck in 1865 they would not be classified as restrikes.

Date slants up to right with ribbon peak below left curve of digit 6. Mint State examples offered in Part II of the Bass Collection have ribbon peak below center of 6, or very slightly right of center.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, December 20, 1972.

Amazing Gem Proof 1866 Gold Dollar

Tied For Finest PCGS Certified

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43     1866 Proof-66 (PCGS). Extremely sharp design details with deep mirrored fields and lustrous, cameo devices. A coin for the connoisseur. Another very rare issue in Proof format, and in circulation strike format as well, with 30 Proofs struck and 16 to 20 known today. Of those struck, 25 were delivered on January 15 and five on June 8.

A concept related to rarity is market availability, or how often a given coin appears for sale today. In the case of 1866 gold dollar Proofs, throughout the 1990s examples were offered for sale on average once every 15 months.

There are so few of these pieces known, and even fewer offering a combination of high grade and beautiful eye appeal, that if you desire a Proof 1866, we suggest that you throw caution to the wind and bid very liberally, remembering that it is often the case of numismatics that today’s record price is tomorrow’s bargain. In the instance of the 1866 gold dollar, not only is this a fantastic rarity in Proof preservation, but there is the added appeal of related circulation strikes being rarities.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

The obverse die is distinguished by two tiny raised parallel lines, at a diagonal below the earlobe. On the reverse the interior parts of the 8 are open, as is the base of the 6, but the top part of the first 6 and the interior of the second 6 are filled in. John Dannreuther notes that this Proof is from an obverse die that is not usually associated with Proofs of this era. Interestingly, Harry Bass had noted on his insert that this coin matched the ANS specimen, which is in their complete run of Proof gold dollars from 1854 to 1889.

From Stack’s sale of the Delp Collection, November 1972, Lot 774.

Lovely Cameo Proof 1867 Gold Dollar

Exceedingly Important Rarity

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44     1867 Proof-64 (PCGS). Delightful orange-gold with deeper orange toning at the border. A cameo with mirrored fields and frosted devices. A few minor hairlines on the obverse keep this out of the gem category. A small round planchet flaw is just above R in DOLLAR. Mint reports recorded 50 Proofs struck, with 25 each on March 5 and July 2. Many of these must have been unsold, as only about 15 survive, suggesting an actual distribution of 25 to 30 coins. Only five Proofs appeared at auction throughout the 1990s.

Again, the opportunity to acquire this piece is exceedingly important. While the designation by PCGS as "only" Proof-64, it has a very generous amount of eye appeal and will stand on its own with certain Proof dollars certified with even higher numbers. It is to be recalled that Harry Bass spent many years in his search for quality, and as a bidder in the sale, you are the direct beneficiary. As is the case with most gold dollars of this era, the 1867 is not only an extreme rarity in Proof format, but high-grade circulation strikes are elusive as well.

PCGS Population: 4; 4 finer (all Proof-65).

Obverse is the "incomplete feather" die used on certain other gold dollars of the period and is different from that used to coin the preceding 1866.

From Stack’s sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1976, Lot 421.

Mint State 1867 Gold Dollar

A Splendid Coin

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45     1867 MS-63. Sharply struck with lustrous light yellow gold surfaces and few minor surface marks. Slightly reflective fields and frosty devices. Obverse and reverse have intense die striae slanting up to the right, indicating it is a very early strike after the surfacing of the dies (in fact, the striae are about as prominent as we have ever seen on any circulation strike gold dollar). In Mint State quality, this issue is almost as rare as when in Proof. Only 25 to 35 examples are known, with most of these in lower numeric levels. The present coin, hand selected by Harry Bass, is a splendid specimen of the date and grade.

Four-digit date logotype positioned low, 6 close to ribbon, and slanting down to the right (easily discernible by comparing the distance from the top of the 1 in date and the letter above it, and the distance from the top of the L to its respective letter above it). Logotype punched in the die with the final digit particularly deep. The striking of this piece is slightly light in the two center digits, 86, giving the curious aspect of the 1 being normal, the 86 being light, and the 7 being very heavy—easy to figure out if viewed on a step-by-step basis.

Also of interest to the specialist is a very slight (best observed by holding the coin at an angle to the light) bulge on the bottom part of the obverse, most prominent on the neck, from that point to NIT (UNITED).

Purchased from RARCOA, August 23, 1973.

Desirable Proof 1868 Gold Dollar

Incredibly Important Rarity

Reverse Rotated

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46     1868 Proof-64 (PCGS). Deeply reflective yellow gold fields and bright gold devices create intense cameo contrast. Extremely sharp strike with only a few very minor imperfections. Medallic die alignment with the reverse rotated 180° from the normal position. Most known Proof 1868 gold dollars, and all known 1868 Proof $3 gold coins, have the reverse in medallic orientation. One was reported with the dies rotated 30° and Walter Breen reported examples with normal alignment.

Just 25 Proofs were minted, and all were delivered on February 20. Certainly less than 20 survive today, perhaps just 10 to 12 examples. An incredibly important rarity, again a coin which will hold its own with just about any Proof dollar we have seen—regardless of numerical designation. As is a common thread throughout the Bass Collection, the present coin combines not only a very satisfactory numerical grade, but equally or more important, a high degree of aesthetic quality and eye appeal. The result is an 1868 Proof gold dollar that will furnish the pride of ownership for a long time.

PCGS Population: 3; 3 finer (all Proof-65).

Obverse from "unfinished feather" die seen on nearly all Proof gold dollars of the era. Reverse with date logotype low, 6 above point of ribbon and fairly close to it, and with date slanting down to the right (easily discernible by comparing to the baseline of the letters above it).

From Stack’s sale of the Scanlon Collection, October 1973, Lot 1975

Rare Mint State 1868 Gold Dollar

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47     1868 MS-63. Satiny light yellow gold lustre with minor surface marks. Cleaned in the past with light hairlines visible. Reverse is rotated very slightly left. Another scarce issue in Mint State, although more common than the 1867 issue offered above.

Date position about the same as on the Proof just described.

From Abe Kosoff’s ANA sale, August 1968, Lot 1469.

Gem Cameo Proof 1869 Gold Dollar

Finest PCGS Certified

An American Numismatic Treasure

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48     1869 Proof-65 (PCGS). Light yellow gold with extremely deep mirrored fields and bright, cameo devices. A few very minor hairlines are visible. Numerous raised die finish lines are visible on the reverse. The 25 Proofs struck were all delivered on February 19, just four days after 5,900 circulation strikes were delivered. Just 12 to 15 Proofs are known today, with examples appearing on the market once every 20 months.

Another tremendously important, exceedingly rare coin, the opportunity to purchase it being extraordinary. Combining high grade and beautiful appearance this piece will be a treasure in the cabinet of its next owner.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Obverse with "unfinished feather" die as normally seen on Proofs of this year.

The reverse die is very interesting to study under magnification. During the Proof polishing process a number of lines were imparted into the die surface, creating raised lines on the finished coin—quite interesting. The date logotype, larger than in preceding years, is slightly low and is level.

From Stack’s sale of the Scanlon Collection, October 1973, Lot 1977.

Attractive Proof 1870 Gold $1

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49     1870 Proof-64 (PCGS). Light yellow gold with lustrous devices framed by reflective Proof fields. A few minor hairlines and other imperfections are noted. Just 12 to 15 Proofs remain from a mintage of 35 coins. These were delivered on February 3 (25 Proofs) and June 1 (10 Proofs). Another incredibly rare, exceedingly important Proof from this issue—a prize when acquired by Harry Bass many years ago and, a quarter of a century later, an even greater prize—as in the meantime a few other pieces have become lost, strayed, or impaired. Another exceedingly important opportunity.

PCGS Population: 3; 4 finer (all Proof-65)

Obverse from "unfinished feather" die common to multiple Proofs dates of the era. Reverse with date logotype level and slightly low, deeply impressed into the die. As is the case with Proofs of the preceding year, under very high magnification some very interesting raised lines can be seen, artifacts of the Proof polishing process.

From RARCOA’s Central States Numismatic Society sale, April 1975, Lot 44.

Attractive Proof 1871 Gold Dollar

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50     1871 Proof-63 (PCGS). Delightful cameo Proof with moderate contrast between lustrous devices and mirrored fields. Minor hairlines are visible in obverse and reverse fields. In addition, light die polish lines are also noted. Minor scratches are just above the obverse border at 6:00. The obverse has a splash of light orange toning along the rim at 4:30. Mintage consisted of 30 Proofs delivered February 20, following the delivery of 3,900 circulation strikes less than a week earlier, on February 15. We estimate about 10 to 12 Proofs survive today.

Once again—and how pleasant it is to be repetitive in this catalogue!—we are confronted with a prime American numismatic rarity with a great deal of eye appeal. The numerical grade of the present 1861 is not as high as the Proofs offered in the several preceding lots, but the overall quality may make up for it, and certainly this is no ordinary Proof-63! Again, the word opportunity is relevant.

PCGS Population: 1; 3 finer (Proof-66 finest).

Obverse with "unfinished feather" die, as typical for Proofs of the era. Reverse with date logotype boldly punched into die, level, and slightly low.

Purchased from Joe Flynn, December 13, 1972.

Gem Cameo Proof 1872 Gold $1

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51     1872 Proof-65 (PCGS). Sharply defined with amazing cameo contrast. Deeply reflective mirrored fields and heavily frosted devices. Few very minor planchet flakes and hairlines are visible. All 30 Proofs were delivered on February 3. In addition, 3,500 circulation strikes were minted. It is likely that most or all Proofs were actually sold, as an estimated 15 to 18 remain today. A general rule can be established that 50% to 60% of Proof gold dollars still survive, possibly a greater percentage closer to the end of this denomination in 1889.

PCGS Population: 5; 1 finer (Proof-66).

Obverse from "unfinished feather" die used elsewhere in Proof coinage of the era. For continued employment, the die has been repolished, resulting in some other "unfinished" areas, very small, throughout the plumes. Reverse with date logotype in small heavy letters, about centered. Interior space of O (DOLLAR) and 2 (1872) filled.

From Stack’s sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1976, Lot 451.

Prooflike 1873 Closed 3 Gold Dollar

Possibly Struck as a Proof

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52     1873 Closed 3. MS-62 (PCGS). An attractive prooflike example with light cameo contrast. The surfaces have numerous tiny handling marks. Possibly struck as a Proof, however, not certified as such. We believe that this is, in fact, one of just 25 Proofs struck, with only 10 to 12 survivors. Several tiny lint marks are visible on either side. This example has the polished area in the first headdress plume, characteristic of Proofs struck from 1862 to 1873. Also, the light orange-peel surface is reminiscent of Proofs. Regardless of Proof or circulation strike status, this is an important rarity.

Obverse from "unfinished feather" die, about the same state as the preceding. Reverse with small Closed 3 date logotype, about centered, and also nearly level.

Purchased from Strauss Coin Co., December 13, 1971.

53     1873 Open 3. MS-64. Sharply struck with full LIBERTY. Highly lustrous deep yellow gold with satiny surfaces. Very minor surface marks are noted. A splendid specimen, among the finest seen in recent years.

Open 3 date logotype, low and sloping slightly to the right.

Purchased from RARCOA, July 24, 1972.

54     1873 Open 3. MS-63. Attractive light yellow gold with frosty lustre and only a few very minor surface marks. Only LIB of LIBERTY is on the die (nothing to do with the striking, but due to the die itself), and with a prominent raised vertical line on the neck of Miss Liberty, also in the die. This distinctive variety has been known for many years and has been long described in the literature.

Reverse with date logotype punched especially deeply into the die, giving it a somewhat less "open" feature than on the preceding, although from the same logotype punch.

From RARCOA’s Central States Numismatic Society sale, April 1975, Lot 624.

Stunning Cameo Proof 1874 Gold $1

Finest PCGS Certified

An American Numismatic Treasure

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55     1874 Proof-65 (PCGS). A wonderful gem with very light yellow gold devices, and strong cameo contrast. A few very minor hairlines and other planchet imperfections are noted. Only L of LIBERTY is visible. Light die polish lines and lint marks are visible. This is a very common issue in Mint State, however, a rarity when in Proof quality. Only 20 Proofs were struck with about half of these surviving today. When examining market appearances at auction over the past decade, we find that only four examples have appeared, or one every 30 months.

This is a true American numismatic treasure, one of the most important gold dollars of any date, any mint to be auctioned in our lifetime. By way of comparison, several Proof 1875 gold dollars appear on the market for each single Proof 1874! Much could be said about this coin, without fear of exaggeration. Simply stated, it is fantastic. Again, the opportunity is more relevant than the price paid.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Obverse from a different die, with feathers fully finished. Deep mirror surfaces of more uniform quality than the "unfinished" feather obverse, which by this time was becoming tired. Reverse with bold logotype, about centered. Interiors of DO and top of A (DOLLAR) filled. Both obverse and reverse dies were especially deeply polished, making this a really proofy Proof (if such a term is allowed). Splendid!

From Superior’s Auction ‘85, July 1985, Lot 904.

56     1874 MS-64. An attractive example with satiny light yellow gold lustre. Minor hairlines and other abrasions are noted. A candidate for the type collector.

Variety without the word LIBERTY in the headband, a characteristic of the die (not of striking), well known in the literature, and cited numerous times over the years. A very interesting variety.

From Stack’s sale of May 1971, Lot 1199.

57     Grouping of gold dollars grading MS-62: I 1874. Pale toning over lustrous surfaces. Variety with only the L in LIBERTY visible, again in the die. Different from the preceding, and well described in the literature; on the reverse the date logotype is particularly deeply impressed I 1874. Lustrous with splashes of orange toning. Obverse as preceding; reverse from a different die, date logotype slightly farther left, O (DOLLAR) completely filled in, certainly an unusual aspect I 1878. Lustrous I 1884. Lustrous. Fairly low mintage I 1885. Lustrous. A very curious piece for the specialist. Obverse with wire rim around most of the periphery, pronounced bulge below TA (STATES); reverse with prominent clash marks completely outlining the portrait of Miss Liberty, and with ERTY visible raised and backward. A very interesting group for the specialist or, for that matter, for anyone desiring to own beautiful coins of interesting varieties. (Total: 5 pieces)

Incredible Gem Proof 1875 Gold Dollar

Landmark Philadelphia Mint Rarity

Finest PCGS Certified

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58     1875 Proof-66 (PCGS). Deep yellow gold with reflective mirrored fields and lustrous, frosty devices. A lovely example with strong cameo contrast.

A splendid specimen which comes as close to perfection as any certified by PCGS—this standing alone at the Proof-66 level, with none finer! On the reverse a lint mark is seen to the right of the denomination number, a pedigree marker.

The fame of the 1875 is long enduring, and for many years this has been recognized as the classic in any date series of gold dollars. Of all of the Philadelphia Mint issues 1849 through 1889, this is the coin—really with no serious competition. Time and again the classic collections brought to market by generations of dealers would be complete except for the 1875.

Popular references state that 400 circulation strikes were minted plus 20 Proofs, but we suspect that a few more Proofs than 20 were struck. No doubt the figure of 20 represents number of gold Proof sets produced in 1875, and may be applicable to the $5, $10, $20 which played to reduce demand, but not to the lower denominations. There are more than 20 Proof 1875 gold dollars known today and more than 20 1875 $3 pieces (the $3 being a classic rarity in that denomination). Not only is the presently offered 1875 a formidable rarity surrounded by great fame, but it also traces its pedigree to the cabinet of T. Harrison Garrett of Baltimore, Maryland. Thus, as we gaze at this coin while cataloguing it, and as you gaze upon it as a proud owner, we both can both envision that years ago this piece was in Garrett’s upstairs study at Evergreen House on North Charles Street, where no doubt it was enjoyed from time to time by viewing under magnification.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From the "unfinished feather" die used from 1862 to 1873.

From Stack’s sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1976, Lot 457.

Important Proof 1876 Gold Dollar

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS

Another Numismatic Landmark

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59     1876 Proof-65 (PCGS). Light yellow gold with moderate cameo contrast and a hint of iridescent toning. In addition, just 3,200 circulation strikes were manufactured, although the issue resides in the shadow of 1875.

Only occasionally does a Proof 1876 gold dollar cross the auction block and even less often is a glittering gem presented for sale. The coin offered here is one of the very finest in existence, another American classic, a piece that will be long cherished by its next owner.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

Although not all Proofs of 1876 used the obverse of 1862 to 1873, this specimen did.

Purchased from American Coin Co., February 10, 1973.

60     1876 MS-63. Prooflike Mint State with light cameo contrast. Very light yellow gold with minor surface marks. Quite sharply struck. Mint State coins are quite elusive, as few seem to have been saved by collectors in the years following our nation’s centennial.

Four-digit date logotype slightly differently positioned than on the circulation strike than on the Proof. On the Proof the highest point of the ribbon is directly below the space between 8 and 7.

Purchased from RARCOA, July 24, 1972.

Delightful Proof 1877 Gold Dollar

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61     1877 Proof-64 (PCGS). A lovely cameo Proof with lustrous light yellow gold devices. A few very light hairlines are noted, along with numerous planchet flakes, particularly on the reverse, as struck. Another very important issue in Proof, from a mintage reported as 20 coins, although probably more in line with 30 examples. Approximately 15 to 20 Proofs survive today. Determining numbers known today involves considerable guesswork, especially among the smaller denominations. Plate matching among older catalogues, and some recent catalogues, is quite difficult as pedigree markers can be nearly impossible to see. Resubmission to grading services, sometimes with the same coin being sent in multiple times, makes the task even more difficult. Estimates of survival can vary from one person to another, based on each individual’s own experience. In the case of this issue, for instance, David Akers noted just 10 to 12 examples exist, when offering the Pittman Collection coin in 1997.

PCGS Population: 2; 4 finer (all Proof-65).

Harry Bass’s notes (paraphrased) "As American Numismatic Society and other Proof, but no clash marks on the face die of the present piece."

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, April 1973.

62     1877 MS-63. Satiny light yellow gold with a few minor surface marks, including small scrapes on Liberty’s cheek. Another scarce issue in Mint State, one of just 3,900 coins struck. The 1877 has always been a "magic date" in numismatics, and in the gold dollar series this year has been highly admired. Unlike the situation which began just two years later in 1879, in 1877 very few circulation strikes were saved by collectors or dealers. Thus, pieces are very elusive today.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 578.

Gem Cameo Proof 1878 Gold $1

Tied for Finest PCGS Certified

A Fantastic Gold Dollar Classic

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63     1878 Proof-65 (PCGS). Delightful cameo Proof with bright yellow gold devices and deeper gold fields. Very sharply defined. Another rarity with just 10 to 12 examples known from a mintage of 20 coins. Not only a rarity in Proof, but extremely scarce and underrated in circulation strike form, with a mintage of just 3,000 such coins, and less than 250 surviving in all grade levels.

Anyone desiring to form a set of Proof gold dollars from the first year that such pieces were generally available, 1858, until the last, 1889, will find the 1878 to be one of the real "stoppers." In Proof, far fewer examples have crossed the auction block than have the much more famous 1875. The Bass Collection coin, combining incredible beauty and long established rarity, presents an opportunity which is not likely to be repeated soon.

PCGS Population: 6, none finer.

A short die line connects the right base of A in STATES with the first plume in the headdress; a different die from that used in 1877 and not the "incomplete feather" die used on certain other Proof issues of the era. On the reverse, diagonal die lines fill the interior spaces of the final 8. Date logotype low, with highest point of ribbon just left of the 7.

Four digit date logotype very widely spaced, unusually so and completely unlike the several preceding years. Base of 7 low.

1 thick, slightly heavier at top, and with lower right serif incomplete at base; top and bottom spaces of 8 about equal size.

Under very high magnification the 18 numerals in the die are lightly repunched.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 72

Delightful Proof 1879 Gold Dollar

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64     1879 Proof-65 (PCGS). Very pale pinkish yellow gold with attractive cameo highlights. A few very faint hairlines are visible. A delightful example with extremely sharp design details. Possibly one of the 20 examples struck January 25, per notes below. The remaining 10 coins were struck November 22.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (Proof-66).

A few tiny raised rust lumps are visible on Liberty’s neck. Raised die lines fill the upper loop of 8 and the loop of 9, as well as the left and right ribbon bows.

Walter Breen noted that 20 Proofs struck January 25 had crisscross die lines filling the interior space of the left ribbon bow, while those struck November 22 had this area polished.

From Stack’s sale of October 1970, Lot 951.

Prooflike Gem 1880 Gold Dollar

Enticing Low Mintage

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65     1880 MS-66 (PCGS). Light yellow gold with deeply reflective fields and sharp design details. An attractive cameo example certified as a circulation strike, however, easily confused with Proofs. Slight strike or machine doubling is noted on the reverse. Thus begins the final decade of gold dollar production for circulation (commemoratives were struck many years later) with 1,600 coins minted. Over half of these survive today in Mint State condition with only a handful of circulated coins.

The supply of 1879, 1880, and 1881 circulation strikes will be discussed in some detail in Dave Bowers’ forthcoming multi-volume study on gold coins, such information drawing upon data from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the availability of examples is very fortunate, as this is one of relatively few low-mintage gold coins that is within the financial possibility of just about any buyer.

Very closely resembling a Proof; as noted, and at one time considered to be a Proof by Harry Bass, who never quite made up his mind, and in his notes kept a question mark after it.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 1971.

Lustrous 1880 Gold Dollar

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66     1880 MS-65. An exciting example with frosty light yellow gold lustre. Very sharply struck with full definition of all obverse and reverse designs. A small rim imperfection at 7:30 on the obverse (10:30 on the reverse) is suggestive of a very minor planchet clip.

Reverse die very slightly different from the preceding, with date logotype moved a hair’s breadth to the left. Probably not noticeable in a photographic plate, but observable under high magnification.

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1971, Lot 1938.

Lovely Cameo Proof 1881 Gold $1

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67     1881 Proof-64 (PCGS). An amazing cameo Proof very close to superb gem classification. Lustrous devices set against mirrored fields create an attractive cameo appearance. Although 87 Proofs were struck, only 45 to 55 exist. Many offered as Proofs over the past century actually were prooflike circulation strikes. Thus, the actual number of survivors of Proofs may be lower than suggested here.

Purchased from International Gold Corp., June 9, 1973.

Superb Gem 1881 Gold Dollar

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68     1881 MS-67 (PCGS). An incredible example with satiny reflective lustre and light cameo contrast. Pristine surfaces of extraordinary quality. Of the mintage of 7,620, numismatists squirreled away a fair number for posterity, making the coin scarce today, but not an incredible rarity. Of course, at this grade level, "rare" still may be an applicable label.

Purchased from RARCOA, July 24, 1972.

Gem 1881 Gold Dollar

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69     1881 MS-65. An outstanding gem with frosty light yellow gold lustre and sharp design details. A few very minor surface marks are noted. Right inside curves of both 8s are repunched.

Purchased from RARCOA, July 24, 1972.

Phenomenal Gem Proof 1882 Gold Dollar

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS

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70     1882 Proof-66 (PCGS). This incredible light yellow gold Proof has amazing cameo contrast, one of the finest in the present selection. Proof mintages were on the rise by 1882, with 125 struck. Six different deliveries of Proofs took place throughout the year, no doubt with each group being minted after the previous coins were all sold. Probably between 60 and 80 Proofs exist, although a specific roster is nearly impossible, as many prooflike Mint State coins have been offered as Proofs in the past.

PCGS Population: 5; none finer.

Date slants slightly up to right. Upper loop of second 8 is filled by diagonal die lines.

From Stack’s sale of the Alto Collection, December 1970, Lot 48.

Gem Cameo Proof 1883 Gold $1

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71     1883 Proof-65 (PCGS). Light yellow gold with lustrous devices and deeply mirrored fields. A lovely gem cameo example. Variety with perfect date, the digits filled by die lines, however, not repunched. In 1883, the Mint produced 207 Proofs with approximately half surviving today.

An interesting collection within a collection would be the assembling of a run of Proof gold dollars of the 1880s. All are somewhat scarce, some are quite rare, but each is obtainable with a degree of patience. The Bass Collection brings to the auction block some of the finest quality coins seen in a long time.

From Superior’s sale of April 1973, Lot 84.

72     1883 MS-64. Sharply struck with frosty light yellow gold lustre. Only a few minor hairlines and other abrasions are noted. A few marks here and there, suggest the grade assigned. Extremely lustrous and quite attractive overall. From a mintage of 10,800 circulation strikes.

Purchased from Rowe and Brownlee, February 24, 1967.

73     1883 MS-63. Frosty light yellow gold lustre. Very attractive.

From Stack’s sale of December 1971, Lot 788.

Superb Gem Proof 1884 Gold $1

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74     1884 Proof-66 (PCGS). Wonderful cameo contrast with rich yellow gold. The mintage of Proofs has now reached 1,006 coins, the highest to date. From 1884 through 1888, mintage of Proof gold dollars ranged from 1,006 to 1,105 coins, jumping to an unprecedented 1,779 coins in 1889.

18 in date are sharply recut below.

Although these figures are generous, in no instance does even a larger percentage of such Proofs survive today. Either the mintage figures are in gross error, or the pieces were sold outside of numismatics (such as to jewelers) and did not survive. In fact, for the most "common" of all Proofs, the 1889 with a mintage of 1,779, the situation is particularly incorrect—as today the 1889 is one of the rarest issues of the decade, with far fewer than 10% of the so-called Proof mintage known to exist!

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of December 1970, Lot 3040.

75     1885 MS-64. Sharply struck with frosty bright yellow gold lustre. 11,156 examples were struck with about 10% to 15% surviving today, nearly all Mint State. As with most issues in the late 1870s and 1880s, circulated examples are seldom encountered. Another marvelous opportunity from the Bass Collection. Let your mind wander and contemplate how nice it would be to have a date run of these gold dollars—and then start here!

Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 1973.

Gem Cameo Proof 1886 Gold $1

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76     1886 Proof-65 (PCGS). A lovely coin in bright yellow gold with reflective mirrored Proof fields and attractive cameo devices. 1,016 Proof were struck in 1886 with possibly 20% to 30% still in existence today. This is certainly one of the finest that can be found anywhere—a prize for its next owner just as it was for Harry Bass.

Purchased from Mike Kirzner, August 11, 1971.

Superb Gem Proof 1887 Gold $1

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77     1887 Proof-66 (PCGS). Extremely attractive cameo Proof struck in delightful green gold. The reverse is rotated about 30° left. Another more or less "common" Proof gold dollar, one of 200 to 300 survivors from a mintage of 1,043 Proofs. A delightful coin, one of the finest in existence.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, November 3, 1971.

Gem Proof 1888 Gold Dollar

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78     1888 Proof-65 (PCGS). A gem cameo Proof with bright orange-gold highlights. A few faint hairlines and planchet flakes are noted. Slight haze in the upper left obverse field. This is probably the second most available of all Proof gold dollars. Possibly as many as 500 survive from the mintage of 1,079 coins.

From Stack’s sale of the Scanlon Collection, October 1973, Lot 2011.

Incredibly Rare Proof 1889 Gold Dollar

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79     1889 Proof-61. Light yellow gold with moderate cameo contrast. Minor hairlines and other imperfections are noted. A crescent of light orange toning follows the border at bottom of the reverse. The final issue of this denomination (except for a few commemoratives struck in the early 1900s) and the high watermark for Proofs, with 1,779 coined. However, very few were actually sold to collectors and today it is estimated that fewer than 100 survive. Among gold dollars of this era, the 1889, with the highest reported mintage, is the rarest today—indeed, it is an object of desire for anyone putting together a gold dollar set.

The attribution to this piece as being of Proof format is tentative and subject to further study. If at the sale we have a different conclusion, we will announce it. The dies are both highly prooflike, with complete interior Proof surface within most (but not all) inscription letters. On the headband, ERT (LIBERTY) is missing, a key that bears further study as we go to press. On the reverse the date is about centered between the wreath and the lettering.

Purchased from Superior, May 15, 1973.