Big New Pickup—1878 Proof (!!) Double Dime

The 1878 20c is the last year of the denomination and sported a mintage of just 600 proofs (no circulation strikes).

This vividly toned PR64 is my first acquisition of the four coin proof 20c set, and it sets a bar high for the other years. It appeared in Heritage’s recent FUN/Long Beach auction in July and I’m thrilled to add it to my collection.

The TrueView lights her up with floodlights, while in-hand her appearance depends on the lighting as usual for these old proofs. The reverse mirrors and color come alive more readily than the obverse, as shown in the videos.

There’s little evidence of hairlines although there are a few scuffs on the obverse, so the lower obverse reflectivity likely determine the grade. Whatever flaws she may have are quickly forgiven once she lights up.