1872 $3 PR65 Certification #-9852, PCGS #8035

Estimated grade.

David Akers (1975/88)

Only 30 proofs were minted and they are just as rare as the small mintage would indicate. In our 238 catalogue auction survey, 26 proofs of this date were offered. It is my opinion, however, that many of those offered were not really proofs at all but rather were first strike uncs, which can be very deceptive. As is always the case, however, different dies were used for the proofs than were used for the business strikes, and on the 1872, the position of the date is markedly different on proofs than it is on business strikes. Business strikes have the date higher in the field, almost centered between the word DOLLARS and the bow on the wreath. On the other hand, the date on the proofs is lower in the field and also a bit more to the right. The difference in the date location is pronounced enough that one can usually tell if a particular coin offered at auction is a proof or an unc merely by carefully examing the photograph in the catalogue.