J-1413 1875 20C NGC PF65 CAMEO. J1413, P-1556, High R-7. All patterns and off-metal strikes of the short-lived 20 cent denomination are rare to extremely rare, and much sought-after by pattern specialists. In the mid 1870s, a large array of different pieces were produced, often in limited numbers, and a whole display of these interesting pieces is very diverse and interesting to assemble. They will include coins of various designs, including modified figures of Seated Liberty, which was in use on the other silver coins at the time. The reverse is often different from the regular design, with the denomination spelled in various ways like twenty-cents or 1/5th of a Dollar. Furthermore, the patterns in this denomination were often struck in multiple different metals, which included silver, copper and aluminum. The latter metal was used for the present variety, and is considered to be the most difficult of this particular design to acquire, with only a very small number graded by the major grading services. Only one coin has been graded finer, a NGC PF-66CAM which was part of the Lemus collection. To us, this coin appears to be of almost the same quality, and has excellent eye-appeal.

At first glance, this coin looks no different from a regular Proof 1875 20 cent piece. However, not only the striking in aluminum, a scarce metal at the time, is different from the regular striking. On the obverse, there are two major differences from a regular Proof die. Most notably, the word LIBERTY is incuse, like every other denomination with this design, except the regular 20-cent piece, which has the word raised. Furthermore, the date is also slightly smaller than on the regular strikings. The reverse is different as well, but is also known to have struck a number of pattern pieces of this new denomination in 20 cent. Most notably, the end leaves of the olive spring overlap, where they are separated on the regular strikings. Other minor differences are the position of the arrowheads and the previously mentioned three leaves. These design characteristics are very interesting, and give insight into the design process of this denomination before it was struck for use in circulation (which ultimately failed). While struck in aluminum, this piece does not feature the oxidation often seen on coins of this metal that were struck in the 1870s. Deeply reflective fields and frosted devices guarantee its status as a true Cameo, with no marks to be noted on either side. A great example of this very rare pattern with approximately half a dozen pieces known in all grades. This coin has been certified by NGC in a new holder.