Written by the Treassureguide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.
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| Prototype Eisenhower Dollar Valued At $850,000 Source: Heritage Auction web site (link below) |
This prototype coin valued at $850,000 will be auctioned in the Jan. 7 Heritage auction in Orlando.
For centuries, no working prototype of any American coin destined for circulation in its actual metal of issue was known in private hands. That all changed when the three Eisenhower dollar prototypes first appeared via this discovery coin in 2008, followed by the second in 2010, and a final example in 2013. Unfortunately, the terms "pattern" and "prototype" are often used interchangeably and inappropriately. What, then, is a "pattern" coin, and how does it differ from a "prototype"?
A pattern coin is generally thought to be a concept coin, struck to evaluate a purely conceptual design never officially approved for circulation. Likewise, many pattern coins were struck in unrelated metals to that of any approved and issued coin series. Often they are nothing more than fantasy pieces, deliberately struck for sale or trade to collectors by mint officials. A vast number of pattern coins remain in collector hands, and many were actually traded by the Mint to collectors in exchange for items that it wanted. A famous example of this would be the fabulous 1877 Half Union gold patterns, traded by William Woodin to the Mint for, ironically, vast quantities of pattern coins. Pattern coins are specifically identified as patterns by their Judd catalog numbers, drawn from the Judd pattern reference. An excellent website we often recommend for studying pattern coins is uspatterns.com.
Prototypes, by contrast, are coins produced within the Mint for the chief engraver's actual day-to-day working use (hence, our term "working prototype"). They are a tool to perfect an officially approved coin design for circulation. There is nothing fanciful with a prototype as with most patterns; rather, prototypes are among the tools required to evolve a circulating coin from inception to production. One would also expect a true working prototype to be struck in its proper metal of issue. As, in turn, are the three known 1971-S Eisenhower dollar prototypes on their 40% silver planchets.
It would be interesting to see the various stages as a coin evolves from the initial concept to the final product.
If you think about it, the even cobs we pick up on the beach went through various design and development stage too.
Here are a couple links on the Eisenhower prototype coin you can check for additional information.
Thanks to JamminJack for prividing the lead on this topic.
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Yesterday I posted a picture of a VFW lapel pin. That pin was a "lifetime member" pin. I didn't mention that yesterday.
I was also surprised to learn that there are companies that make "custom" VFW pins. That surprised me.
Here is the link.
Custom VFW Lapel Pins | 4Heros
And here are some examples from that company.
There are a lot of ways that a find might not match up with what you expect.
I've seen ruptured duck pins listed for sale that were described as gold. I don't know if they are really gold, but I guess it might be a possibility. I'll have to research that more. Generally they are not.
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| Section of Florida Mammoth Tusk Wrapped As One Stage in Conservation Process. |
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