Mintage: 54,617

This desirable specimen from the first year of operations at the Carson City Mint exudes originality. The coin actually looks like it had been buried in a safe underground location for decades. Specks of dark, carbon stains are visible in certain areas and there are small deposits of tar-like residue in spots. None of these discolorations detract from the well-preserved quality of this coin.

Both sides display a green-slate-colored tint, with reflections of ample luster peeking through. Numismatists who prefer white-colored coins might be tempted to dip this one, but the purists among us would consider this a crime.

The details on all the raised and incuse devices are exceptional, especially on the word LIBERTY in the heraldic shield, whose lettering is notoriously weak. A few scattered hairlines are visible in the fields, and a handful of small contact marks pepper the coin’s surfaces.

Overall, this is an exquisite example of the workhorse denomination from Nevada’s storied coin factory.

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