1877 Gold Dollar. JD-1. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).Beautiful orange-gold surfaces are boldly cameoed in finish, the fields deeply mirrored and supporting frosty devices. Fully struck and expertly preserved, this is the finest survivor of this elusive issue that your cataloger (JLA) can recall handling in recent years. The 1877 gold dollar is an extremely rare coin in Proof format with a reported mintage of just 20 coins. Perhaps surprisingly for an issue with such a limited mintage, John W. Dannreuther (2018) has identified two die marriages. The first variety, JD-1, accounts for the 10 specimens delivered on February 24, 1877, which includes the coin in the National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian Institution. The second batch of 10 coins was delivered on May 31. Both die pairings were also used to strike some of the 3,900 circulation strike gold dollars delivered in 1877. Dannreuther accounts for 12 to 15 Proofs extant from both varieties combined, a relatively generous total given the reported mintage that suggests that a few additional pieces may have been struck and not included in the Mint Directors report. Yet regardless, the rarity of this issue is beyond doubt, the premium quality Gem offered here ranking among the finest certified and eagerly awaiting inclusion in an advanced cabinet.NGC Census: just 3; 0 finer in this category.
