May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10
Lot 1094
1869 Pattern dime,
Judd-696, Pollock-775, Rarity-5, Standard silver, reeded edge. PCGS
graded Proof 63. Excellent surfaces for the grade which show only faint
hairlines and lovely tawny toning on both sides. Boldly struck and well
preserved. One small lint mark is noted on the back of Liberty's head, as made.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.
Lot 1095
1869 Pattern dime,
Judd-703, Pollock-782, High rarity-6. Standard silver, plain edge. PCGS
graded Proof 64. Lilac gray in color with medium gray overtones. Minor
surface hairlines in the fields, but Liberty's face is clean and fresh. Nice
for the grade. Perhaps 15 are known, this one of the nicer ones, although there
are three graded higher in the recent PCGS Population Report.
Estimated
Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 1096
1869 Pattern dime,
Judd-708, Pollock-787, Rarity-5. Standard silver, reeded edge. PCGS
graded Proof 64. Toned a deep gray shade on both sides from long storage in
an envelope or similar paper coin album. Hints of blue are noted near the edge.
Splendid surfaces which show no hairlines or problems whatsoever. One of the
more beautiful pattern issues of the period.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
From Superior Stamp & Coin's September, 1970 sale, lot 598.
Lot 1097
1869 Pattern quarter,
Judd-721, Pollock-802, Rarity-5. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof
64. With deep, and not all the beautiful mottled toning on both sides. Only
1 graded higher, with 7 graded as PR-64 in the recent PCGS Population Report.
Well struck, and inspection recommended.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
With an old envelope from Abner Kreisberg noting the price of $65 from
many years ago.
Lot 1098
1869 Pattern Quarter,
Judd-723, Pollock-804, Rarity-6. Copper, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof
64 Brown. One of the popular Standard Silver issues that is struck in
copper. The surfaces are clean for the grade and we note quite a bit of
original mint color shining up from beneath the layer of toning. Clean fields
and devices, and this is certainly a near gem coin that pushes the assigned
grade. Only 5 example have been graded by PCGS, one as PR-63, the others all
PR-64, in various degrees of red to brown. NGC has only graded a single
specimen, PR-65 Red. Perhaps this issue should be a low rarity-7, as precious
few have turned up, at least at the grading services. Keep that in mind when
formulating your bid.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
With an old
paper envelope that notes the price of $42.50 for this coin.
Lot 1099
1869 Pattern Quarter,
Judd-729, Pollock-810, Rarity-7, Copper, reeded edge. NGC graded Proof
66 Brown. This coin is highly appealing for its rich mahogany toning and
boldly struck design elements. One could not imagine a more beautiful example,
unless it was full red! In this pristine state of preservation, the surfaces
are of course nearly perfect, with resplendent spot-free fields and devices. No
signs of handling or abuse whatsoever. Hints of original red on the reverse.
NGC has graded 2 this high, with none graded higher. PCGS hasn't graded any
higher than PF-65. Each service has graded 3 examples, so this is likely mid
range rarity-7, with perhaps 8 known in all, this tied for the finest with one
other. Certain to be a highlight of an advanced pattern collection.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 1100
1869 Pattern Quarter,
Judd-732, Pollock-813, Rarity-7. Aluminum, plain edge. PCGS graded Proof
63. Another Standard Silver issue, this one struck in the experimental
metal aluminum. Boldly struck on the devices, but we note minor haze in the
fields and a scattering of tiny black specks. Only 8 have been graded in all by
NGC and PCGS, this at the low end of the census currently. Only faint hairlines
in the fields, and problem free for this moderate grade.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,200.
Purchased from Leo A. Young many years ago, with an old
envelope included.
Lot 1101
1869 Pattern Half Dollar,
Judd-754, Pollock-838, High rarity-6. PCGS graded Proof 62. A nice
example of the Standard Silver issue, this one has some jeweler's rouge
encrusting the lettering and devices from an old cleaning, and the fields show
the usual hairlines. Well struck on the upper devices, and decent for the
grade.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
From Kosoff's CSNA Sale,
October-November, 1968, Lot 1155 with envelope included.
Lot 1102
1869 Pattern half dollar,
Judd-756, Pollock-840, Rarity-7. Copper, reeded edge. NGC graded Proof
67 Red and Brown. This is the finest example graded by either NGC or PCGS
and the combined population reports show just 8 graded in all, keeping this
coin solidly in the rarity-7 category. The devices are all boldly struck and
the color ranges from delicate red hues through bluish-gold shades. Free of
problems or serious spots, this magnificent copper half dollar would certainly
be a highlight in any advanced pattern collection.
Estimated Value
$3,500-4,500.
Lot 1103
1870 Pattern dime,
Judd-845, Pollock-944, Rarity-7. Copper, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof
66 Brown. This is far and away the finest graded of this extremely rare
issue, the best otherwise is PR-64! Note that over ten percent of the original
red is present, with the balance a natural tan color. All is perfectly struck
and preserved, with just a trace of lines in the right obverse field. If you
demand the best, then here it is.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Purchased from Abner Kreisberg many years ago.
Lot 1104
1870 Pattern quarter
dollar, Judd-894, Pollock-1001, High rarity-5. Silver, reeded edge. NGC
graded Proof 64. A fully struck example of this popular Standard Silver
series issue. The toning is stunning, with deep blue and gold hues around the
periphery, bright at the centers, probably from long storage in an album. There
are some minor hairlines in the fields and trivial handling marks, accounting
for the grade.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 1105
1870 Pattern Quarter,
Judd-901, Pollock-1016, Rarity-7. Standard silver, plain edge. PCGS
graded Proof 65. A frosty delight that has highly reflective fields and
splendid frost on the devices. Further, this is a rare issue, with 15 to 20
known (PCGS has graded 11 currently and NGC just 3, with possible duplication).
PCGS has only graded 3 this high, with a single coin graded higher, making this
one of the very best known of this tiny issue. The Standard Silver issues were
struck to solve the problem of the lack of coins in circulation. Metal prices
had fluctuated, and small silver pieces disappeared from circulation. Instead,
tired rags of fractional currency were the primary change methods for
merchants. The die engraving on this particular issue is quite appealing, the
devices are sunk deep into the dies, and produce a three dimensional effect
with the frosted devices and mirror fields. Similar on the reverse, with the
appealing corn, cotton and wheat wreath in glorious execution. A fine pattern
issue for the specialist to enjoy, in gem condition and a rarity to boot.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff's 1968
California State Numismatic Association Sale, October-November, 1968, lot 1163
(with envelope) and held in a collection since that time.
Lot 1106
1870 Pattern Quarter,
Judd-913, Pollock-1013, Rarity-7. Standard silver, plain edge. PCGS
graded Proof 64. Lilac and gray toning on both sides and boldly struck.
These Standard Silver issues tend to be well made from highly polished dies
that show excellent contrast between the devices and the fields. This one is
nearly a gem, save for faint hairlines in the fields. The PCGS Population
Report combined with the NGC Population report shows: PR-62 1; PR-63 2; PR-64
2; and PR-65 3. Thus a total of 8 coins are reflected in the combined
population reports.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 1107
1870 Pattern Half Dollar,
Judd-939, Pollock-1066, High rarity-6. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Here is a beautiful Standard Silver issue pattern, the surfaces
are highly reflective, and the devices well frosted. Minor hairlines account
for the grade, and the coin has abundant eye appeal. Note the alluring gold
peripheral toning on both the obverse and reverse. The design elements are on
the upper end of the coiner's art, with Liberty facing left, and well executed,
and on the reverse, the wreath is of corn, cotton and wheat with the
denomination at the center. The combined NGC and PCGS Population Reports show 5
graded this high, with just 2 graded higher. A rare issue that is seldom
offered and certain to please the specialist.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
From Kosoff's CSNA Sale, October-November 1968, lot 1172, with paper
envelope included.
Lot 1108
1870 Pattern Half Dollar,
Judd-951, Pollock-1094, High rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 63. There
is slight weakness on the high points of the design and a minor scratch down
Liberty's face (visible with a glass). Tawny gold toning around the periphery.
A scarce and desirable issue.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
With an
old envelope describing the coin at a cost of $75.
Lot 1109
1870 Pattern Half Dollar,
Judd-957, Pollock-1108, Rarity-6. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof
63. Frosty and bright, with just a bit of toning around the edges. Not
quite fully struck on Liberty's headband. Minor hairlines and otherwise
defect-free. One of 5 so graded by PCGS, with 7 graded higher.
Estimated
Value $1,000-1,500.
Purchased from Abner Kreisberg Corp., at a cost of
$95 some decades back.
Lot 1110
1870 Pattern Half Dollar,
Judd-964, Pollock-1060, Rarity-7. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof
65. This is an extremely rare pattern issue, only 4 have been graded by
PCGS, none by NGC. Of those, this is the finest graded, and possibly the finest
known! Another of the Standard Silver issues, this one boasts a beautiful
rendering of Liberty, with a curious floppy cap with the back folded over hear
head, and two large stars as a crown. Ribbons and mottos flap lazily in the
breeze, and on the reverse a large wreath of oak and laurel, with the date
below and denomination at the center. Excellent contrast between the frosted
devices and the mirror fields, and free of all but minute signs of
handling.
Several of these pattern coins came to us in an old collection,
they were assembled in the 1960s and have been off the market since that time.
Our own Larry Goldberg sent them to PCGS for grading, and we just got them back
in time to include in this sale. In other words, these are fresh, and have not
been subjected to the marketing changes that have swept through the numismatic
community the last 30 years.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.
From
Kosoff's California State Numismatic Association Sale, October-November, 1968,
Lot 1166 with paper envelope included.
Lot 1111
1870 Pattern half dollar,
Judd-981, Pollock-1101, Rarity-7. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof
65. Although called Rarity-8 in the recent Pollock reference, the PCGS
Population Report shows 5 graded, this being the finest of the 5. We will
assume they are different coins, as well as different grades and lower the
rarity rating a notch. This is a gorgeous, deeply toned example of this rare
Standard Silver issue. Liberty is well struck, and the surfaces are superb.
Dark blue in the fields, with lighter red hues at the centers. A problem free
example, and apparently the finest known, of this important pattern issue.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 1112
1871 Pattern nickel,
Judd-1050, Pollock-1184, Rarity-6. Nickel, plain edge. PCGS graded Proof
65. One of the finest graded of this rare pattern issue, the recent PCGS
Population Report shows just 4 graded this high, with 1 graded higher.
Examination notes that the surfaces are fresh and well preserved, and show no
detriments. Further, the V in the denomination is backwards, the thick side
should be on the left rather than the right, and its appearance is awkward.
Microscopic examination finds the remnant of a letters serif well above the C
of CENTS, perhaps the engraver was going to start the word CENTS well above
where it was eventually placed. The 7 in the date also has projections out both
sides, and we're not sure what was going on with the engraver there.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 1113
1871 Pattern half dime,
Judd-1065, Pollock-1200, High rarity-6. Standard Silver, reeded edge.
PCGS graded Proof 65. This is the finest of only 5 graded by PCGS,
and alone as PR-65. Choice tawny-gold toning throughout and well preserved. No
signs of the usual hairlines or handling marks, keeping this coin in the
coveted gem class. Note the deep engraving on the dies, which must have been
hard to strike up fully. The coin appears somewhat medallic in its dimensions.
A fabulous coin for the advanced pattern collector to pursue.
Estimated
Value $2,000-2,500.
From Abe Kosoff's October-November, 1968 California
State Numismatic Association Sale, lot 1181, with envelope included.
Lot 1114
1873 Pattern Half dollar.
Judd-1272, Pollock-1414, Rarity-7. Copper, reeded edge. NGC graded Proof
66 Red and Brown. This is an extremely rare pattern issue, only 4 have been
graded in all, and this is one of the finest. The hues of toning are
magnificent and quite appealing. Deep reddish shades with overlays of royal
blue are seen when viewed under a light, and the surfaces are pristine
throughout. All devices are well frosted and the fields retain their mirror
polish. If one must find fault, we note trivial hairlines in the fields. A
simply stunning coin that will captivate anyone who takes the time to view it.
Estimated Value $4,500-5,500.
Lot 1115
1873 Pattern trade dollar,
Judd-1273, Pollock-1435, Rarity-4. Silver, reeded edge. Proof 60.
The obverse design is similar to that adapted for the Trade Dollar, Liberty
sits on her beach ball globe of the world, surrounded by a bale of cotton, a
sheaf of wheat and the handles of a plow. At her feet the vast ocean enjoys her
sultry gaze. On the reverse, the eagle stands on a rock with his wings
outstretched and holds a shield in one claw, in his beak the motto waves
proudly on a long banner. Minor hairlines in the fields and untoned. The
devices are nicely frosted and this is an appealing proof coin for the
collector. There is a rim irregularity on the left side of the reverse, the
appears to be mint caused as concentric planchet lines continue both above,
through and below this irregular area.
Estimated Value $800-1,200.
Lot 1116
1879 Pattern Silver
Dollar, Judd-1618, Pollock-1813, Rarity-3. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS
graded Proof 64. This is the famous William Barber design of the Metric
dollar. Needless to say, our Government has been trying to get us citizens to
adopt this useful measuring system for well over 120 years, with no more
success today than in 1879! This one is toned a light and natural steel gray,
with very clean fields and devices. Free of the usual problems, and nearly a
gem. The rarity rating must be a typographical error in the Pollock book, as
only 9 coins have been graded by both NGC and PCGS, hardly what we would expect
for a "common" coin that rates rarity-3. Perhaps high Rarity-6 is more in
keeping with reality. Of those graded, this is tied with 2 others as the finest
seen by the two grading services.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Purchased from B. Max Mehl, with an old envelope included.
Lot 1117
1879 Pattern Silver
Dollar, Judd-1627, Pollack-1823, Rarity-3. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS
graded Proof 65. This one is tied for the finest graded in a recent PCGS
Population Report. Toned with lovely antique gray and gold tones throughout,
with faint evidence of hairlines and no other problems. Fully struck at the
centers, which is unusual for this issue, and one of the most popular patterns,
the Goloid Metric Dollar was examined by many members of Congress before being
passed over in favor of continuing the Morgan Dollar then in production.
Nevertheless, Congress liked the coin enough that the Philadelphia Mint struck
off a few more in early 1880 to fill the demand. An opportunity for the pattern
specialist.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
From an old B. Max Mehl
sale, number 1596, but no date is included.
Lot 1118
1896 Pattern nickel,
Judd-1770, Pollock-1787, Rarity-6. Plain edge. PCGS graded Proof 64.
The alloy is either German silver or nickel-copper. Fresh white
surfaces with just a single speck over the 8 in the date, and another below the
last A in AMERICA. Well engraved dies, with pretty elements, but not adapted.
Only 20 graded by PCGS in various grades, this in the middle of those.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 1119
"1792" Dickeson Pattern,
eagle on half shield. MS-60 +. These were struck from a die which
was obtained by Dr. Montroville Wilson Dickeson in the late 1850s. The die was
likely from Adam Eckfeldt's rejected dies from his revenue stamp embossing, and
were likely sold as scrap metal by the Mint. Dr. Dickeson thought they might
have been part of the 1792 provisional coinage group. Dr. Dickeson had a
reverse die engraved TRIAL PIECE DESIGNED FOR UNITED STATES CENT 1792 and
struck a few pieces. As the obverse die shows growing rust on the few pieces
known, it is likely that these were struck over an extended time period. The
original die turned up in the 1950s, but then hasn't been seen since. Decidedly
rare and seldom offered.
This piece is very choice, the surfaces are a nice
medium brown with hints of original red near the lettering with some prooflike
reflectivity in the fields. Listed as Breen #1378 in his Encyclopedia.
Estimated Value $700-UP.