NNP

1873 T$1 Trade Dollar, Judd-1312, Pollock-1455, R.7, PR66+ Red NGC. CAC. Design. The obverse features Liberty seated, wearing an Indian headdress, Liberty pole and cap in her right hand, left hand resting on a globe, and conjoined flags behind. The reverse has a small eagle in the upper half with the weight and fineness below and the statutory legends on scrolls both above and below. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. The obverse and reverse dies for Judd-1312 were also used to strike patterns in silver, aluminum, and white metal, with both plain and reeded edges. Commentary. As might be expected, many Trade dollar patterns were produced in 1873, the year that regular-issue coinage of the denomination began. The Mint marketed many of the silver designs, including Judd-1310 and 1311, which share the same obverse and reverse designs as Judd-1312, in six-piece sets that sold for $30. These silver sets were occasionally offered in 19th century auction catalogs, but there seems to have been a limited demand for the copper pieces, which appear infrequently. On at least one occasion, in the Woodside Collection (New York Coin & Stamp, 1/1892), both a silver and a copper set were offered in succeeding lots of the same catalog: {blockquote}"294 1873 Trade Dollars: set of the usual designs: silver: proofs; 6 pcs. "295 1873 Trade Dols.: same as last, in copper: proofs; 6 pcs."{/blockquote} Only about 10 examples of Judd-1312 are extant, with NGC and PCGS combining to certify seven specimens in various proof grades and color designations. Another example is held by the Smithsonian, and a final coin is reported in the Mitchelson Collection at the Connecticut State Library, neither of which has been certified. The present coin is the finest certified at either of the leading grading services. Physical Description. This high-end Premium Gem possesses stunning eye appeal to complement its high technical grade. Intricate detail is evident on all design elements, with complete star central lines and full definition on the eagle's feathers. Close inspection reveals only the most insignificant flaws on the delightful original red surfaces, and the fields are brightly reflective throughout. Census: 1 in 66+ Red, 0 finer (2/13). From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4003, realized $47000.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.