1876 Trade Dollar. Type I/II. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS).Beautiful premium Gem surfaces are brilliant in the centers with warm blue-gray, olive-copper and reddish-pink iridescence at the peripheries. Fully struck in virtually all areas with bold contrast between frosty devices and mirrored fields. For the fourth year of the trade dollar series the Philadelphia Mint produced 1,150 Proofs for sale to contemporary collectors. This is an unusually generous total for the era which probably reflects the Mints anticipation of heightened sales that year in conjunction with the United States centennial celebrations. Although the Mint was invited to set up its own display at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphias Fairmont Park, but invited Exhibition attendees to visit the nearby Mint. Indeed, many Americans seem to have acquired a Proof 1876 trade dollar in one way or another as this issue is one of the more frequently encountered after the popular Proof-only dates of 1878 to 1883. On the other hand, high quality specimens are elusive, perhaps suggesting that many examples were initially purchased by non collectors who were more likely to mishandle the coins. As one of the finest certified survivors, this expertly preserved and aesthetically pleasing specimen will please even the most discerning numismatist.PCGS Population: 3; 2 finer in this category (Proof-67 Cameo finest).
