Second Session

Monday, October 2, 2000, at 6:00 P.M., Lots 587 to

U.S. Pattern Coins

THE COIN WITHOUT A COUNTRY

Lot 587
1859 Pattern Dime, Judd-233, P-280, Rarity 6. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 63. Always a popular issue, the "Transitional" name is given because the design of the dime was changed from 1859 to 1860 where the name of our country was moved from the reverse to the obverse. This curious pattern issue was struck using the new reverse die for 1860 and the old style obverse of 1859, with stars surrounding Liberty. Hence, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA does not appear on the coin. Listed in the Guide Book for many years has keep constant pressure on the few available. PCGS has graded a total of 12 coins of this famous design, with 3 in this grade and the rest in higher grades. The coin is bright and untoned and is exceptionally sharp. We note a strong raised fin or knife edge surrounding parts of the obverse as the dies really pounded this coin to bring up the design elements so perfectly. There are some moderate hairlines which account for the grade, but no signs of mishandling otherwise. In order to track this coin into its numismatic future, we note a tiny planchet flake in the field near the right ribbon point on the reverse and a couple of very microscopic specks in the field midway between the second and third obverse stars and Liberty's right arm (viewers left).
An important offering that represents an opportunity to purchase an extremely rare coin with quite a wonderful story. The coin without a country.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.

Lot 588
1861 Pattern Eagle, J-285, P-340, Rarity 7+. Copper, reeded edge. NGC graded Proof 66 Brown. Regular dies obverse, the reverse similar to the regular dies, but with the addition of GOD OUR TRUST on a ribbon above the eagle. The surfaces are pristine, no handling marks to speak of and the bronzing is intact with its glorious reddish-brown color. Each device is satiny in appearance, and the mirror fields give the coin great contrast.
There is a pair of tiny lint marks in the field below Liberty's chin, curiously the same two lint marks that are visible on the J-287 offered in this sale, the reverse dies are different though, and it would make sense that these would have been made at the same time for comparison of the presentation of the new motto reverse.
This is the finest graded of the variety by either PCGS or NGC, making it almost certainly the finest known of this extremely rare pattern issue. Experienced collectors find these bronze proofs truly alluring, their surfaces, color and appearance combine to make one of the most beautiful pieces coined by our mints. Try to take the time to view one of these if you haven't had the pleasure to examine a prime example of Philadelphia Mint art of the period.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.

Lot 589
1861 Pattern Eagle, J-287, P-342, Rarity 7. Copper, reeded edge. NGC graded Proof 66 Brown. The obverse is the Liberty Head type used on regular issue coinage, the reverse is very similar too, except for the addition of the motto GOD OUR TRUST over the eagle. As we know, in 1866 the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to a scroll over the eagle. This was one of the experimental pieces which lead to that change.
As to rarity, this coin is certainly extremely rare, but we have reduced its rarity from Rarity 8 due to the number graded by both PCGS and NGC (a total of 10 pieces between the services.) It is probable that some duplications are included in the number graded, as coins are frequently sent to both services to see which will give a higher grade, hence duplication. Nevertheless, this one is the finest graded by either service, with only a single coin graded a notch lower by NGC. Possibly this is the Stack's October 1988, lot 628 specimen as it was noted to have a die alignment of 300 degrees, which approximates this examples die alignment.
Superb surfaces, the bronzing is even and the color a unform reddish brown. Identifiable by a short lint mark below Liberty's chin. As to the strike, it is complete and bold throughout, even the fin, or knife rim is sharp and complete on the reverse. An exceptionally beautiful piece, and worthy of the finest pattern collection.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.

Lot 590
1863 Pattern Dime, Judd-330A, Pollock-401, Rarity 8. Postage currency, nickel, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 65. This is one of the very rare examples of emergency issues during the Civil War. The obverse depicts a shield with two arrows crossed behind, and an inverted laurel wreath above suspended by a ring. On the obverse, the inscription reads EXCHANGED FOR U.S. NOTES. The reverse is very plain, it reads POSTAGE CURRENCY, ACT JULY 1862, with 10 CENTS 1863 at the center. This coin is well struck, with reflective fields and satiny devices. A few very minute tick marks can be seen, as well as some trivial toning flecks.
One of only two graded by NGC and PCGS, both the same grade, and possibly the same coin as it may be been submitted to each for their respective opinions. Whatever the case, this is an extremely rare pattern issue and it is amazing that it has survived in gem condition all these years.
Estimated Value $1,750-2,250.
Probably the DiBello coin (Stack's 1970).

Lot 591
1865 Pattern $3 Gold, Judd-441, P-516, Rarity 7. Copper, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 64 Brown. These copper patterns were struck with the regular die used in 1872, and for that reason are thought to have been coined around that time. On the obverse, the head punch is deeply cut into the die, and the date on the reverse slants a bit up to the right. Toned with multicolored hues of unknown origin. Still housed in an old style PCGS holder, and one of just 3 so graded by PCGS, with none graded higher! Don't expect to find a better one.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.

Lot 592
1866 Pattern Dime, Judd-535, Pollock-599, Rarity 7. Silver-nickel, reeded edge. NGC graded Proof 66. Regular dies for the pattern design, but an experiment using a combination of silver and nickel for the planchet. This is the only coin of this pattern design graded by either NGC or PCGS, and we suspect that only a couple are known (at most). The color appears more like a normal silver coin than a nickel piece, with satiny frost on the devices over the mirror fields. Boldly struck, which is not what one might expect, as nickel is a very hard metal which requires more striking pressure to bring up the design elements than silver, which is easier to efficiently strike coinage from. A lovely coin which is undoubtedly very rare.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.

Lot 593
1870 Pattern Quarter. Judd-895, P-1002, Rarity 7. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 64. This one is housed in an old PCGS small holder, obviously held off the market for years and years. We note the mirror fields are especially watery and reflective, and the coin has very little toning save for an arc around the periphery of gold. Frosted on the devices, and exceptional for the grade. One of the very popular, and rare, Standard Silver issues. Only 2 so graded by PCGS in this grade, with a single coin graded higher. A rare opportunity.
Estimated Value $1,750-2,000.

Lot 594
1870 Pattern Half Dollar. Judd-978, Pollock-1090, Rarity 7. Copper, plain edge. NGC graded Proof 66 Red and Brown. One of the famous Standard Silver issues struck in copper. The surfaces are pristine, without any signs of contact or abuse, the color ranges from reddish mahogany to iridescent blue shades. This is the only example of this pattern graded by NGC, and quite possibly only a few are known. If you demand an exciting, and superb example for your pattern collection, then view this lot and bid accordingly.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.

Lot 595
1871 Pattern Half Dime, J-1073, P-1209, Rarity 8. Nickel, reeded edge. NGC graded Proof 65. This coin is struck from the regular dies, but using nickel for the planchet instead of the usual silver composition. Apparently extremely rare, as neither Judd nor Pollock reported any sales of this particular pattern issue. During 1871, these experimental pieces were struck in copper, aluminum and nickel, all with reeded edges from the regular issue dies. These pieces were probably struck for special friends of the mint, and obviously were created on some whim and not to test the various metals for suitability as planchets. As to this particular combination struck in nickel, we suspect that this coin may be unique, as we could find no report of an auction sale in recent history. It is also the only coin graded by either NGC or PCGS. The coin is boldly struck and well preserved, but the planchet shows some minor roughness. An untoned delight to behold. Bid accordingly, as this piece may otherwise disappear into another specialized collection not to be seen again for decades.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.

Lot 596
1871 Pattern Dime, Judd-1079, Pollock-1215, Rarity 7, Aluminum, reeded edge. NGC graded Proof 67. This is far and away the finest graded of this extremely rare pattern issue. Only 4 have been seen by the services, one graded PR 64 by PCGS, followed by two graded PR 65 by PCGS, and this piece, the only coin of this variety graded by NGC at PR 67. Liberty is seated with a pole and cap extended, behind her are two flags and a globe with "LIBERTY" boldly engraved. The reverse is the regular issue used on current coinage of the time. Undiminished by time or handling, this coin is a pleasure to behold. Mint fresh and untoned, with excellent mirroring in the fields and deeply frosted devices. A coin for the connoisseur who demands the finest.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.

THE FINEST GRADED JUDD-1201 AMAZONIAN HALF DOLLAR

Lot 597
1872 Pattern Half Dollar. Judd-1201, Pollock-1341, Rarity 7. The Amazonian design in copper. NGC graded Proof 67 Red and Brown. Reeded Edge. Resplendent in every way, this popular pattern displays William Barber's magnificent Amazon design. A review by the authorities decided that this was too militaristic a design as it included two eagles, two shields, no olive branch for peace, and no legend LIBERTY. As Judd states, "throughout the year Congress continued to consider the bill which became the Act of 1873, and considerable pressure was brought to bear for the authorization of a silver trade dollar." Struck during the heyday of shenanigans at the Mint, while countless pattern issues were spilling forth into certain friendly hands. Approximately 5 are known, this is the highest graded example in copper and at a glance, one can see why; the surfaces are pristine, and the strike is as bold as possible. The color is a deep mahogany red, with bluish tones near the devices. The only sign of age is the mellow brown tones settling in over the mirror surfaces and devices, otherwise this coin is basically as struck by the mint. A foremost pattern rarity, and worthy of the finest collection by a person who appreciates the coiner's finest moment.
Estimated Value $20,000-30,000.

THE FINEST KNOWN J-1237, PATTERN $3 PCGS PROOF 67

Lot 598
1872 Pattern $3 Gold, Judd-1237, Pollock-1379, Rarity 7+. Aluminum, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 67 The Garrett coin. Obverse by William Barber, the reverse is his famous Amazonian design. Liberty is depicted as graceful women with long, flowing hair spilling forth from under her cap of freedom, which dons the inscription LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date beneath. The reverse depicts an eagle with spread wings (similar to that seen on the twenty cent piece), the right talon holds three arrows, while the left supports a shield inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST. Identifiable as the Garrett coin (3/80, lot 1081) by a tiny planchet flake near the rim between the D and S of UNITED STATES and a faint toning spot on Liberty's neck. This is the finest coin graded by either service and apparently the finest known of the variety. Currently, the NGC and PCGS Population Reports show only 4 coins graded, with the probability of some duplications, this coin may well indeed still be a Rarity 8 (3 or fewer known).
Nicer than the recent offering in the John Jay Pittman sale, 10/97, lot 801, which has been graded PF-66 by NGC. If you demand the finest of this important Amazonian pattern, then here is the coin for your collection. Apparently only 3 of each denomination was struck in aluminum, and 6 to 8 of each struck in copper, with a single set struck in gold. A foremost rarity and one of the most popular pattern issues ever made.
Estimated Value $20,000-30,000.
From Bowers & Ruddy Galleries Garrett sale II, March 1980, lot 1081, no previous recorded appearance.

Lot 599
1873 "Bailly Head" Pattern Trade Dollar, Judd-1282, Pollock-1424, Rarity 7. Silver, plain edge. NGC graded Proof 65. A beautiful example of this popular issue, the strike is a bit weak at the center of the reverse, as seen on the few examples that survive on this and the more common reeded edge variety (J-1281). The toning on this piece is outstanding, a lovely antique gold around the edges and devices, while Liberty's head is very frosty and white, the reverse similar with gold toning around the periphery.
The obverse and reverse designs feature a Liberty Head and an eagle respectively. The obverse shows Liberty with a decided pout on her lips, the design attributed to J. A. Bailly. On the reverse there is an eagle holding a shield and is similar to Barber's "Amazonian" patterns of 1872. A distinctive design that will always be a standout piece in any great collection.
An extremely rare coin with the plain edge, it is the only example seen by either service. Another important pattern issue for the connoisseur.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.

EXTREMELY RARE 1878 J-1555 PATTERN DOLLAR IN COPPER

Lot 600
1878 Pattern Silver Dollar, Judd-1555, Pollock-1734, Rarity 7. Copper, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red. Here we have a magnificent specimen of this extremely rare pattern issue. Only two have been graded by PCGS in the Red category, while 6 have been seen in Red and Brown. This is among the very best known of perhaps a dozen that survive. The surfaces have a mellow red color throughout, and show surprisingly little contact from other coins. Obviously this coin was set aside at the time of issue, and carefully preserved to this day. The strike is bold, too, as one would expect on a proof coin.
The obverse design is by William Barber after his $50 pattern issue of 1877. As to the reverse, it also is by William Barber and shows an erect eagle with spread wings holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left.
However you look at this coin, it is a splendid gem and one that will always generate excitement whenever it appears on the market.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
From Bowers and Merena Inc's H. W. Bass Jr. part I sale, May 1999, lot 1281.

THE FINEST KNOWN 1878 JUDD-1576 EXAMPLE OF THE "UGLY EAGLE"

Lot 601
1878 Pattern $5 Gold. Judd-1576, Pollock-1769, Rarity 6 to 7. Copper, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 66 Brown. A stunning pattern half eagle which is struck in copper, and unlike most of the others, was not gilt. The surfaces are outstanding, resplendent beyond description, and the colors, deep mahogany with hints of blue and red exude originality seldom seen in the last half century. We know that this coin has been tucked away for over 60 years in a private collection, most had forgotten about its existence. Furthermore, most of the few known of this pattern have been gilt, and are thus gold in color from the plating process. In the Pollock reference we note that the Smithsonian is trying to corner the market on this pattern, they apparently have 3 of them! Others have been tied up for many years in foundations, which have recently been sold. In the recent PCGS Population Report, only 3 have been graded, one PR-63 Red, a PR-65 Red and brown and this superb PR-66 Brown. For all intents and purposes, this is clearly the finest known of the few available, and one of the very few original copper pieces that has not been gilt.
This pattern was designed by William Barber, the obverse head of Liberty facing left and wearing a large cap (not unlike the then new Morgan silver dollar), with a band inscribed LIBERTY. Her cap is ornamented with two wheat ears, and her hair curls cascade below her shoulders. Thirteen stars are arranged seven on the left and six right, and separated by the motto IN GOD WE TRUST at the top in tiny letters.
On the reverse, we completely agree with the description of this pattern issue given by the cataloger at Bowers and Merena in the Harry Bass, Jr., Sale I (lot 1375) where the term "Ugly Eagle" was coined. The eagle's left wing (viewers right) is grossly disproportionate to its body, and the right wing is similarly too large. Even the branch is much too big from a proportion standpoint when compared with the size of a bald eagle. The upper arrowhead is incomplete, and everything about this reverse loudly states "rush job" or engraved by a trainee. Above the eagle is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM which staggers across the field as if it can't make up its mind to be in a slight arc, or on a straight line. Around the eagle is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and FIVE DOLLARS below. All devices are very sharply struck, and this coin is superbly preserved. If Barber was involved in engraving this reverse, he was having what must have been a very off day--even for him--and we can easily see why this new design was not adopted. Color photo.
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.

THE WAYNE MILLER JUDD 1613 PCGS GRADED PROOF 68

Lot 602
1879 Pattern Morgan Dollar, Judd-1613, Pollock-1809, Rarity 6, silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 68. An electric coin that is graced by deep blue toning around the periphery, with fiery yellow and red hues on both sides. The centers are lighter, and this coin has probably been stored in National Coin pages for many years, as the toning is familiar to many coins we see that have been stored that way. The surfaces are immaculate, without signs of hairlines or contact, simply put, they are perfect. We can not imagine how a finer coin could come down to us, let alone an extremely rare pattern issue. This is confirmed in the PCGS Population Report, they have graded a single coin as Proof 61, 3 as Proof 63, 2 as Proof 64, and this lone Proof 68 monster coin. It is identifiable by a small untoned spot at the top right of the S of PLURIBUS.
On the reverse, the colors stagger the imagination, the periphery is dark blue with flaming yellow highlights, the centers are deep blue with lavender highlights. Of course the strike is superb, and the quality of preservation simply can not be imagined. How did this coin survive, virtually as struck, all these years? The only signs of age are the dizzying array of colors from careful storage for decades. Somehow this one escaped the cleaning frenzy of the past decades, and remains exactly as it should, perfect in every way.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
From the Wayne Miller Collection, previous pedigree unknown.

AN ASTOUNDING WAYNE MILLER PLATE COIN 1879 JUDD-1615, PCGS GRADED PROOF 68

Lot 603
1879 Pattern Silver Dollar. Judd-1615, Pollock-1811, Rarity 6 to 7. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 68. Here is a stunning example of pattern Morgan Silver Dollar. The surfaces are pristine, and the toning is absolutely gorgeous. Around the periphery is a deep blue and antique gold color, fading to a lighter pink hues at the center. Shimmering mirror fields seem to tease the eye with their perfection, when examined with a loupe. Identical on the reverse, the bold eagle's breast is fully struck, with separation on even the tiny pin feathers. As to the toning, it is perfectly matched to the obverse, deep rings of antique blue and gold at the periphery, fading to a lighter pink at the centers. Needless to say, with a grade of Proof 68, you are not about to find any problems with the surfaces, handling or cleaning or otherwise. They simply are virtually as struck, aside from the splendid toning. It is, of course, the finest graded of this rare pattern issue, the only one graded this high. PCGS has graded others, but the Population Report appears to be skewed as 6 have been graded as Proof 67 (we suspect resubmittals here), with a couple of other single coins noted in lower grades. This problem continues to mount, and we always stress that buyers must do their own research when purchasing a coin like this by plate matching all examples previously listed in auction catalogs. This is a time consuming process, but it often provides a far more accurate listing of how many are known, and in what grade they are (currently). We compared this coin with the 9-68 Merkin Sale, and it appears to be different, although the coins have similar toning.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
From the Wayne Miller Collection, previous pedigree unknown.

Lot 604
1882 Pattern Five Cents, Judd-1690, Pollock-1892, Rarity 6. Regular dies of 1883, nickel, plain edge. PCGS graded Proof 65 Eliasberg. Identical to the regular issue of 1883 without Cents on the reverse. Brilliant with some hints of gold toning, and remarkably well preserved and appealing. Deeply frosted devices seem to rise miles above the reflective fields. Popular with both Pattern collectors and Liberty nickel specialists. We note the delicate fields are better than one would expect for this grade, and this is certainly a premium coin for the grade assigned. Enhanced by the Eliasberg pedigree, and one of the highlights of any pattern offering.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000.
From New York Coin & Stamp Company's sale of the Edward Goldschmidt Collection, April 1895, to J.M. Clapp, Clapp estate, 1942 to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., Bowers and Merena Galleries, May 1996, lot 182.