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FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Proof Bust Dimes
1831 10C Type 2, Small Dentils, JR-2 PR66 Cameo NGC. The JR-2 and JR-4 die pairings were both used to produce business strikes and, in much smaller quantities, proofs. The Early United States Dimes 1796-1837 reference is a joint effort among five authors known more colloquially as the "dime book" or the "JR book," and it points out that at least three proofs have been seen from this die pairing. No quantity is given for the 1831 JR-4, merely the statement that "proof specimens were struck from this pair of dies." Those figures hardly square up with the total of 29 proofs certified in all grades between NGC and PCGS combined, but we would submit that those totals almost certainly include numerous resubmissions and crossovers. The PCGS CoinFacts website estimates that 15 to 20 true proofs are known.
The JR-2 die pairing is easily attributed. Star 7 is close to the cap and points to the headband center, and star 3 points between denticles. Stars 10 and 11 are close. Star 13 is close to the curl. On the reverse, the scroll begins under the space between ED and ends left of the center of the M. IT are close, and the upper serif of the D is recut to the left. The second T in STATES is above the E following. A minor design change in 1831 switched to three pale gules. Hyphenating this makes it clearer -- "three-pale gules" -- and translating it into "three-line stripes" makes it clearer still. The previous dimes had two-line vertical shield stripes, or two-pale gules.
This is a no-questions proof striking, with no evidence of die flow lines or incompletely polished areas in between the shield stripes or other areas that might indicate a prooflike business strike. The field luster is complete and the central devices fully frosted, despite a moderate layer of lovely pinkish-blue original patina that evenly covers both sides. A splendid, fully struck early proof. NGC has certified 11 non-Cameo 1831 dimes, including one in PR66 and 2 in PR67, but this is the only PR66 Cameo at NGC supported by one in PR65 Cameo (11/16).
1831 10C Type 2, Small Dentils, JR-2 PR66 Cameo NGC. The JR-2 and JR-4 die pairings were both used to produce business strikes and, in much smaller quantities, proofs. The Early United States Dimes 1796-1837 reference is a joint effort among five authors known more colloquially as the "dime book" or the "JR book," and it points out that at least three proofs have been seen from this die pairing. No quantity is given for the 1831 JR-4, merely the statement that "proof specimens were struck from this pair of dies." Those figures hardly square up with the total of 29 proofs certified in all grades between NGC and PCGS combined, but we would submit that those totals almost certainly include numerous resubmissions and crossovers. The PCGS CoinFacts website estimates that 15 to 20 true proofs are known.
The JR-2 die pairing is easily attributed. Star 7 is close to the cap and points to the headband center, and star 3 points between denticles. Stars 10 and 11 are close. Star 13 is close to the curl. On the reverse, the scroll begins under the space between ED and ends left of the center of the M. IT are close, and the upper serif of the D is recut to the left. The second T in STATES is above the E following. A minor design change in 1831 switched to three pale gules. Hyphenating this makes it clearer -- "three-pale gules" -- and translating it into "three-line stripes" makes it clearer still. The previous dimes had two-line vertical shield stripes, or two-pale gules.
This is a no-questions proof striking, with no evidence of die flow lines or incompletely polished areas in between the shield stripes or other areas that might indicate a prooflike business strike. The field luster is complete and the central devices fully frosted, despite a moderate layer of lovely pinkish-blue original patina that evenly covers both sides. A splendid, fully struck early proof. NGC has certified 11 non-Cameo 1831 dimes, including one in PR66 and 2 in PR67, but this is the only PR66 Cameo at NGC supported by one in PR65 Cameo (11/16).