1879 $3 (Proof)

David Akers (1975/88): The proof-like first strikes of this date are among the most deceptive for any date in the series, and a number of auction listings in older auction catalogues for "proofs" are really of pieces that were proof-like business strikes. There are a number of prominent distinguishing features, however, that should make determination of the legitimate proof status of an 1879 fairly easy for even the novice. First of all, consider the obverse. On the proofs, there is the prominent rust spot that appears on some proofs of 1877 and all the proofs of 1878. It is located at the lower right side of the hair curl below Liberty's ear. There is also what appears to be a raised "vein' that runs across Liberty's nose and a "teardrop" that falls from her eye. On the reverse, the date is slightly higher in the field and more to the right on the proofs than it is on the uncs. In particular, the numerals of the date are directly between the letters of the word DOLLARS. On the business strikes, however, the numerals are more nearly under the respective letters. As one final distinguishing feature, there is a roughness in the lower part of the 9 on the proofs, while the surfaces within the 9 on the business strikes are clean and open.