B-3a variety.

A spectacular coin (and we use that term advisedly).

Last offered publicly in Bowers and Ruddy’s March, 1988 sale of the Norweb collection and there described as follows:

‘A superb specimen, undoubtedly made as a presentation piece, and of a quality which some may even designate as a full proof.’ Noteable, of course, since no proof strikings of this date are recorded.

The Norweb cataloger added that ‘The Norwebs acquired this coin from Richard Picker, date not specified, probably in the late 1950s, at which time it was billed as a Proof’.

The coin looks exactly as it did when plated in the Norweb catalog, and the plate match is unmistakeable.

Our assessment is that this piece is of near gem quality, totally original, extremely sharply struck and prooflike on both the obverse and reverse. There are just a couple of light lines on the left side of the obverse and that is it.

Exceptional, beautiful and one of the most exciting coins we have ever offered.

Ex-Bowers and Ruddy’s sale of the Norweb collection, as noted, March 24 & 25, 1988, lot #1529.

This coin is from the CRO archives and is not currently available for sale.