In 1969, Jim Ruddy stunned the numismatic world with the discovery of an 1888/7 overdate. A small portion of the 7 is visible under the left half of the final 8 of the date, inside the upper loop, and protruding from the upper left edge of the top loop. Various Die States exist; for example, Die State B has a large rim cud on the obverse above TE of UNITED. Only two Uncirculated examples are known of the overdate, both of which were discovered by Ruddy! One example, graded MS-64 Brown by NGC is illustrated below. A second example graded MS-63 Red and Brown by PCGS appeared in Superior Stamp & Coin's February 1999 "Juan XII Suros" sale, where it realized an astonishing $40,250.
The finest Uncirculated Brown example graded by PCGS is are 2 MS-65BN's. The finest Uncirculated Red-Brown examples graded by PCGS are 7 MS-65RB's. The finest Uncirculated Red example graded by PCGS is a single MS-67RD.
The finest circulation strike "1888/7" Brown example graded by PCGS are 2 AU-58BN's. The finest Uncirculated "1888/7" Red-Brown example graded by PCGS is a single MS-64RB.
The finest Proof Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-67BN. The finest Proof Red-Brown examples graded by PCGS are 5 PR-66RB's. The finest Proof Red examples graded by PCGS are 4 PR-66RD's. The finest Proof Cameo examples graded by PCGS are 2 PRCA-66's.
