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Auction 107 | Lot 5212 » Dimes » Seated Dimes
1841 No Drapery XF 40. Probably Struck From Proof Dies. This coin was discovered by F.C.C. Boyd in the early 1940s and was first offered for public sale when Boyd's material was sold under the name of the World's Greatest Collection in 1945. It reappeared 18 years later in New Netherlands' 57th Sale where it was described as "once a proof." The last appearance was in the 1973 MANA Sale (Kagin's, 11/73), lot 1107 where it was reported to have realized $52,000. R The coin shows evidence of moderate handling, but we believe the surfaces still retain enough of the original proof texture to make it identifiable as a special striking. When New Netherlands cataloged the coin thirty years ago they rendered a description that we find difficult to improve upon, and so we reproduce it here for those who have questions, concerns, or doubts about the nature of this piece: "The missing drapery resulted from an over-ambitious polishing or "proofing" of the obverse die. The diameter of the stars has also been diminished in the process. The rim is much broader than on the business strikes for this year, which fact should satisfy any doubts which might exist regarding its proof origin." R As mentioned, the coin has seen some circulation as there is some friction on the highpoints of the design, but a surprising amount of the original proof surface still remains. The surfaces appear to have been lightly cleaned at one time but have since been left to naturally retone. In his roster of proofs Breen only mentions one other proof 1841, that one having once been a part of Colonel Green's proof set, and since dispersal of his collection 50 years ago, this piece is untraced. The Smithsonian does not have a proof 1841, and this may well be the only example available to collectors in the foreseeable future. (PCGS# 4728)
Bid Source: Mail/Fax

Service Uncertified

Grade PR40

Auction Ended
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Aug 3, 1993

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Sold For: $46,750.00

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Auction 122 | Lot 6454 » Dimes » Seated Dimes
PCGS 1841 PR 62. With Drapery. An unrecorded, but very small, number of proof dimes were struck in 1841. This is the only one certified by either of the major grading services. According to Breen (1977) and Brian Greer's references on this series, all but one of the known proofs show no drapery at Liberty's elbow, this design element having been polished away by heavy lapping of the dies. There is one coin mentioned with the drapery at the elbow, that coin being in a "N.Y. specialist set." Of course, we do not know who the "N.Y. specialist" is, nor do we know if this is the coin from that set. However, we can speculate that if it is from that specialist's collection, then most likely the With Drapery proof dime of this year is unique. If not from that collection, then this is a second example.
When viewing this coin, there is absolutely no doubt about its proof status. Michael Hodder once told the story of how he had a sign hanging over his desk that answered most questions about questionable coins. The sign read: "If you have to ask, it isn't." With this coin, there is no need for independent confirmation, no need to look up diagnostics. It just is. The fields are unfathomably deep in their reflectivity, and are broken by numerous small contact marks and a milky patina in the center of the reverse. The most notable marks for pedigree purposes are: a short scratch between the rock and star 1 on the obverse, and on the reverse there is a thin scratch out from the E in ONE and the E in DIME, as well as some planchet roughness just below the IM of DIME. The strike is crisp throughout and shows absolutely no trace of softness anywhere. Brilliant on both sides, this is a very impressive coin, and surely one to generate much enthusiasm among the many collectors of this series. (PCGS# 4728)
Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade PR62

Auction Ended
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Aug 2, 1994

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Sold For: $38,500.00

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