Need verifiable information on 3CN Proof-only years 1877/78/86
Prethen
Posts: 3,461 ✭✭✭
Mark Feld posed an interesting question to me in my thread about a 3CN article. He said it might be interesting to note why there were those proof only dates in the 3CN series. Initially, I thought, well that stuff has been printed up before and possibly not necessary for the article. Then, I began thinking about it and started rooting around for the answer. I've looked in a number of books and articles, plus had a friend look at his major tomes on 3CN and came up with very little.
The most we know is this, with the redemption of fractional currency waning up through 1876, there was little perceived need of minting any more 3CN. Plus, the public seemed to be wary of base-metal currency and prefer not to use it. This could help explain why Shield Nickels have 1877-78 as Proof-only dates and perhaps why a limited number of 1877 Indian cents were struck. The Proof-only year of 1886 is a completely different case and simply appears to be a situation where 3CN weren't in high demand for circulation and were petering out.
One board member pointed out that PCGS founder, John Dannreuther, might be able to help, but I have no contact information for him and the PCGS operator couldn't help me. Does anyone here know how to get in touch with John?
Anyone happen to have access to a verifiable source that I can use for the article for more definitive information on those Proof-only years? If you are able to cite information for me, please provide me with the exact title, author, and copyright year of the publication from which you found the information.
I appreciate any help anyone can offer.
Bruce
The most we know is this, with the redemption of fractional currency waning up through 1876, there was little perceived need of minting any more 3CN. Plus, the public seemed to be wary of base-metal currency and prefer not to use it. This could help explain why Shield Nickels have 1877-78 as Proof-only dates and perhaps why a limited number of 1877 Indian cents were struck. The Proof-only year of 1886 is a completely different case and simply appears to be a situation where 3CN weren't in high demand for circulation and were petering out.
One board member pointed out that PCGS founder, John Dannreuther, might be able to help, but I have no contact information for him and the PCGS operator couldn't help me. Does anyone here know how to get in touch with John?
Anyone happen to have access to a verifiable source that I can use for the article for more definitive information on those Proof-only years? If you are able to cite information for me, please provide me with the exact title, author, and copyright year of the publication from which you found the information.
I appreciate any help anyone can offer.
Bruce
0
Comments
<< <i>Bruce, try J.D. here: John Dannreuther Rare Coins. He is an amazing, walking rare coin encyclopedia and a nice guy, too. >>
Thanks, Mark. He's out of the country until November 1st.