1834 Capped Bust Dime, Proof-66 (PCGS)
John Reich 1, Superb "Master Coin", Ex James A. Stack

John Reich 1 - Large, perfect 4. Reverse with double shaft on top arrow. Obverse die finely cracked, connecting the tip of Liberty's bust to the inner side point of star one through seven. Another fine obverse die crack connects the outside points of stars 3 through 6.

Fully original surfaces, which exhibit natural toning that is exceptional in color, with slightly iridescent blue and violet prominent on the upper obverse, about the obverse rim, and on the lower reverse, blending to faint peach and rose on the lower obverse and most of the reverse. The strike is nearly complete, with only Liberty's highest hair curl below B, and the opposing lower arrow feathers on the reverse barely soft. With a strong glass and just the right light, some faint reverse hairlines barely appear. A tiny reverse planchet flake in the field below the eagle's wing at right is about the only marker. In fact, this coin is in exactly the same state as sold in the James A. Stack, Sr. collection in January 1990. Additionally, this Gem Proof was struck from the same die pair as the King of Siam Proof 1834 Dime, an additional testament to its "Master Coin" status.

PCGS reports a total of seven Proof 1834 Dimes certified, including one PR66 and three PR67s. However, it appears that the King of Siam coin represents at least two of the three PCGS PR67s, as well as the sole NGC PR67, leaving this Gem as probably the second finest known.

Provenance:

• James A. Stack, Sr. (Stack's, 1/1990: lot 48 @ $49,500 as "Choice Brilliant Proof")