2017-10-02 Mon

Two experimental coins from the 1960s will be offered in Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency XXIII Auction in Philadelphia on 26th October. The coins were issued to test compositional alternatives instead of the normal 90 percent silver alloy.

Both the coins depict Martha Washington. They are graded MS-66 with a CAC sticker and MS-67 respectively. They are the first of their types to be graded by PCGS and are also the finest known. These Martha Washington dies were made to test new compositions at the start of 1965. In 1999, it was used when Susan B. Anthony dollar was changed to the Sacagawea dollar. The coins are made of copper-nickel clad planchets with a reeded edge. The fantasy designs were not related to current coinage motifs so that ‘rarities’ are not created by using regular dies. The reverse features Mount Vernon. Both these types are understudied and have an estimated value of $7,500 to $10,000.