These patterns are also nicknamed Snowden dollars, after the person who conducted this experiment. Colonel Archibald Loudon Snowden, who was a nephew of Mint director James Ross Snowden considered this to be a great invention, although it was used on regular coinage many years before. Meant to prevent counterfeiting, a common practice at the time, this was one of many experiments conducted by the Mint. However, as the process proved to be difficult and required a lot of time, the experiment failed and the Morgan dollar continued to be struck with the regular reeded edge.

This offering is tied for the finest known at either PCGS or NGC. Another piece has been graded PF-68RB, indicating that at least a few pieces, including the present offering were carefully persevered. The fields are virtually flawless, even under strong magnification, as can be expected for the grade. The coin is toned to a wonderful orange color, with ample amounts of original Mint red remaining as well. An exceptional rare and popular pattern, and a seldom seen opportunity to acquire one.