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.
