Finest Known Proof No Motto Liberty Seated Dollar
John Dannreuther 2 (Dies 1-B), Osburn Cushing P1 : Obverse die shared with JD-1, paired with a new reverse showing prominent die lines on the lower rim below E D. This reverse die was next used to strike 1864 Liberty Seated Proof Dollars, and paired with two different 1864 obverses.
Some coins require but a short glance, a few seconds to immediately register as something special. This is such a coin. Certainly this is one of the most beautiful of all Proof Liberty Seated Dollars, and without question it ranks as the clear finest known of the No Motto type.
The devices are richly frosted and set in strong contrast to the deeply mirrored fields, such that this would likely be considered as a Deep Cameo if there were no toning present. The color is clear and smoothly gradient, a thin veil of soft violet, blue and amber which well frames the central devices. This is the benchmark for Proof Liberty Seated coins, a standard that is rarely matched by coins of any date, and of any denomination.
PCGS #45992012
Provenance
Heritage January 2006, lot 3242 at $63,250 as NGC PR68CAM #1600580-007, then as the sole PR68CAM; Heritage March 2006, lot 1660 at $80,500; Heritage October 2011, lot 3881 at $60,375 now as NGC PR68*CAM #3093600-002 but with the prior NGC certificate still active. Later recertified as PCGS/CAC MS67+CAM. Today NGC #1600580-007 remains active, while #3093600-002 has been retired.