1870
10C (J-841, high R-7) PCGS PR-62 – The standard
silver issues are generally considered common within
the whole spectrum of American patterns. Yet, there
are some issues that are not frequently encountered,
and the series of aluminum pieces holds most of them.
Aluminum was still considered to be a semi-precious
metal, and carried a strong premium over other metals.
As a result, mintages were extremely small, with the
present piece being no exception. Pollock reported only
4 examples, and it is unlikely that since the publication
of that work, many more could have turned up.
Although not considered patterns in
the true sense, which are correctly classified as new
proposes for circulating coinage, these pieces do fall
under that sector. The standard silver issues of 1869,
1870 and 1871 are generally considered to be the prime
result of the objective of the Mint to generate as much
money as possible. They were exclusively sold to collectors,
often in sets, which were later split up when coins
were sold individually. Nowadays, completing a full
set of any standard silver issues in any metal is a
very good accomplishment, not undertaken by many.
The present offering represents one
of the rare examples of a piece struck in Aluminum.
While being somewhat oxidized on the obverse, limiting
the grade, this is a common feature with these light
pieces. Strong mirrors show in the fields, and the devices
are moderately frosted as well. Sharply struck, with
all details showing on both sides in full. A great coin
for the specialist, or anyone seeking a rare pattern.
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