This coin has been graded and encapsulated by PCGS with a grade of PR62. It has nice colors and mirrors and comes alive when tilted in the light. I read in a forum that the type 1 obverse/ type 1 reverse die pair is rare on 1876 proof trade dollars. Anybody know more about this or know if its possible to send it to PCGS to get that variety attributed on the holder if it is so? From what I understand on the obverse lady liberty having 3 fingers holding the branch is a diagnostic and on the reverse the broken letters and missing lower serif on the second L in "dollar" is a diagnostic. I looked into all of this because I thought it was odd my proof trade dollar has broken letters on the reverse.
I just found this info on PCGS coinfacts: the type 1 obverse diagnostics are the ribbon ends pointing to the left. On the type 1 reverse a berry is below the eagles claw.
I would call PCGS and asked before trying to just send it in. They seem to be fussy about what they will put on their labels.
Yes, it is the rarest type for the 1876 proof Trade Dollars. And yes, the missing lower serif on the second "L" in dollar is the key diagnostic used to distinguish between proof and business strike 1876 1/1 dollars. And finally, Yes, PCGS will put the "Type I/I" on the label. Just send it in for Reholder with Variety Attribution. Oh, almost forgot - nice pickup!!!
Nice coin mbogoman. I feel like both of ours are close to 63 status. I wish pcgs would increase the price guide for this variety.
