1870 PATTERN DIMEVariety
equivalents:
Judd 825 = Pollock 915
Rarity:
Metal content: Silver
Edge: Reeded
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Images courtesy of Superior
Galleries
Significant examples:
PCGS Proof-63 (illustrated
above). Ex - Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach Sale", October 1-3,
2000, Lot 4423, where it was described as follows: "Judd-825,
Pollock-915. Silver. Reeded Edge. Hazy surfaces. If in a spare
moment you will take time to scan the list of the various Pattern
coins struck between 1868 and 1871, you will see a large expansion
in the number of types. According to historians, Philadelphia Mint
officials were petitioned (often behind closed doors) by collectors
wanting a piece of the action. Collectors had heard rumors how
privileged individuals were receiving these rare and beautiful
Pattern issues. Naturally, they wants some of their own; and for a
time the Mint Director and his allies obliged. However, things got
out of hand. A ruckus was raised (possibly by jealous outsiders),
and the practice of providing specimens ended abruptly. Nonetheless,
we can thank these ne'er-do-wells of yesteryear who, through their
demands for a slice of the Pattern pie, encouraged a larger number
of pieces to be struck than would otherwise have been the case. This
relative abundance of dates from 1868 to 1871 keeps prices
affordable to the average collector."
Sources and/or
recommended reading:
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