Impressive 1846 PR66 Dollar
The Finest Known

1846 $1 PR66 NGC. Ex: P. Kaufman. The 1846 proof dollar is one of the more special offerings out of the Phil Kaufman collection. Not only does it display great eye appeal and technical quality, but it is the finest known of all surviving examples, of which there are a relatively large number compared to other proofs struck in the 1840s.
Two obverse dies were used for the 1846 proof dollar. One is referred to as a "blundered date," which was first entered too low and obliquely, then partially effaced and corrected. Parts of the upper digits 846 show at the bottoms of the final date (see the repunched-date enlargement of the Kaufman coin). Walter Breen (1988) says it is surprising that this die would have been approved for use on proofs. In the April 1997 write-up of the Louis Eliasberg 1846 proof dollar, David Bowers says the repunched die was apparently retired after a few dozen impressions were made. A second obverse die shows no repunching, and is sometimes referred to as the "perfect date."
NGC and PCGS have certified a total of 23 1846 proof dollars. Coins graded by the former service include the PR66 Kaufman specimen, eight near-Gems, three PR63s, and one each PR62, PR61, and PR55. PCGS has seen one PR65, three near-Gems, two PR63s, and one each PR61 and PR55. An unknown number of these are likely resubmissions.
The following roster of 1846 proof dollars includes nine distinct examples.

1. PR66 NGC. The Kaufman specimen. We are not able to conclusively match this coin with any of the following.
2. PR65 PCGS. The Jascha Heifetz Collection (Superior, 10/1989), lot 3824. Catalogers attribute as the Repunched Date variety, and pedigree to: "... our 1974 Charles Ruby I Sale, lot 1623 as part of a complete 1846 Proof Set consigned by Allen Harriman and then purchased by Julian Leidman. The set was subsequently broken up, and this Silver Dollar last appeared in our Jerry Buss Sale, lot 1343."
3. PR64 PCGS. John Work Garrett Collection (Stack's, 3/1976), lot 262; Morris Silverman Collection (Heritage, 4/2002), lot 4074; Rod Sweet Collection (Bowers and Merena, 7/2005), lot 1007.
4. PR64 NGC. John Jay Pittman Collection (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1674. Akers writes: "This proof was purchased from Numismatic Gallery's sale of the famous Adolphe Menjou Collection, 6/15/50, lot 2091, for $220. Earlier, the coin has been in the 'World's Greatest Collection' sale, lot 135." Akers attributes as the Repunched Date variety; Heritage (Palm Beach Signature Sale, 11/2005), lot 2.
5. PR64 NGC. Rarities Sale (Bowers and Merena, 5/2004), lot 255. Catalogers attribute as Repunched Date.
6. PR63. David S. Wilson, 1906 privately; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate, 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 4/1997), lot 2211.
7. PR62 NGC. Heritage (2007 FUN Sale, 1/2007), lot 1062. This appears to be the same coin as that in the Rarities Sale (Bowes and Merena, 7/1997), lot 244, that was attributed as the Perfect Date variety (no repunching) by Bowers catalogers
8. Brilliant Proof. Q. David Bowers (privately, 2/27/1964); Floyd T. Starr Collection (Stack's, 10/1992), lot 586. Identified by a spot between the bases of IT in UNITED.
9. Proof. Smithsonian Institution.

Additional Appearances
A. PR64 NGC. Fairchild Family Trust Collection (Goldberg Coins, 5/2001), lot 866.

A powerful strike imparts virtually complete definition to the Kaufman coin. The rims are squared off, and the dentilation is bold. Splashes of low-intensity gold, yellow-green, orange, cobalt-blue, and lavender are concentrated in the fields, while the high points of the central devices assume a soft mauve patina. Impeccably preserved surfaces enhance the previously-mentioned attributes. The only pedigree identifier that we can locate is a faint linear mark on the right (left facing) hand. This is a most impressive coin that is sure to capture the attention of Seated Liberty proof aficionados.
From The Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Seated Proof Sets, Part Three.(Registry values: N10218) (#6987)

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