1875-1878 Double Dime Set—Business Strikes & Proofs—Complete!

P0CKETCHANGE · November 15, 2025 11:17AM

With the recent acquisition of an 1875 Proof 20c, my eight coin set of business strikes & proofs is now complete!

The journey stretches back to January 2020. I began assembling a quality type set after a decade-plus hiatus from collecting, and had acquired a few 19th century proofs in the months prior. This fiery 1875-S in MS63 popped up on eBay and I debated pulling the trigger for a week as I'd never spent four figures on a coin before. I bought it.

1875-S MS63—my first double dime, found on eBay

As a type set collector, that was the end game. I only needed one example, so deleted my twenty cent eBay search and moved on. It was almost three years later when I came across the upcoming Bass/ANA Museum live auction at Winter FUN 2023. When I laid eyes on this rare 1874 PR65 fiery toned double dime, it was obsession at first sight. I resolved to win it, and although I had to fight off a bid from @PeakRarities after I stupidly talked up the coin at the live auction (without mentioning I was bidding on it), it was mine.

1874 J-1354 PR65—ex. Bass/ANA Museum, from Heritage Winter FUN 2023 live auction

The pattern acquisition sparked the interest in assembling a full 20c set (sans the ultra-rarity 76-cc). I put pen to paper and sketched out a rough plan, deciding on the 63-64 grade level as the sweet spot for value and quality. The set is only eight coins, which was part of the appeal for me, but all of the issues except the 75-S type I already owned were mid-four figure coins. I decided to firmly adopt the "buy once" philosophy and be highly selective for quality, originality, toning and eye appeal.

Continuing the theme of sharing in order of acquisition, here is the rest of the set, culminating with my latest pickup. Some of them link to prior threads I created when I first acquired the coin—check those out if you want more of the story and more photos of that particular example:

1875 MS64 CAC—April 2023; from DLRC auction; later stickered by CAC

1878 PR64—July 2023; from Heritage; my first (non-pattern) proof issue

1875-CC MS64 CAC—Sept 2023; from Heritage; the first Carson City coin I ever owned

1876 PR64 CAC—Nov 2023; from Sarasota Rare Coin; ex. Reverend James M. McClure Collection

1877 PR63 CAC—June 2024; from GreatCollections; supposedly the key date proof, although the '75 was more elusive for me

1876 MS65 CAC—Feb 2025; from GreatCollections; I previously passed on this coin (sans green bean) and paid up for it. By far the toughest circulation strike to locate

1875 PR64 CAC—Aug 2025; from GreatCollections; the 1875 proof turned out to be the most challenging to locate within my criteria. I resisted the urge to acquire examples that weren't "all there" a few times. No CAC sticker on the coin at auction, but it had the originality I was seeking in the grade I wanted. I sent the coin to CAC after receiving it from GC, and she beaned!

Registry Set Links
Circulation Strikes
PCGS—Ranked #7
CAC—Ranked #3
MyCollect—Ranked #1

Proof Strikes
PCGS—Ranked #10
CAC—Ranked #3
MyCollect—Ranked #1

What's next?
While I consider the set fully complete, it's possible I'll make upgrades if I feel the replacement coin is strongly superior. I may acquire duplicates of a lower grade, especially if they are in old holders. I also may turn my attention back to some of the patterns. But I'm not setting any goals in these directions, and any additions will be highly selective. One day, perhaps I'll acquire the '76-CC!

Thank you for allowing me to share this set with you all, and happy collecting.