Patterns - Lots 1120-1143
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part I
Patterns - Lots 1120-1143
Gem 1859 Paquet Quarter Dollar
P-281, Silver
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1120 1859 pattern quarter. P-281, J-234. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, Paquet reverse. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for the regular-issue quarter dollar.
Reverse Design: An eagle with wings outstretched and a shield on its breast, holding an olive sprig and three long, slender arrows. The legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, is above, with the denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR, below. The tall letters with thick uprights are popularly considered to be a hallmark of Anthony Paquet's work. Indeed, such letters were used on some work specifically known to have been his, but at a later date they were also used elsewhere. For example, the inscriptions on the reverse of the regular issue trade dollar, 1873, are in letters of this style. Separate from any dies he created, Paquet furnished letter punches to the Mint. This reverse design was also used in 1858, 1864, and 1865.
Surfaces: Very sharp strike with brightly mirrored silver surfaces. This is a very attractive example with a few imperceptible abrasions.
Narrative: The only pattern quarter dollar of this year. Most patterns dated 1859 are either half dollars or double eagles, with a small number of one-cent varieties, and one each of the half dime, dime, and quarter denominations.
This variety is very rare, challenging the Rarity-8 category as scarcely more than a half dozen have been identified over the years, including duplicate listings. The present piece represents a major opportunity for the specialist.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 95.9 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Diagonal die striae and polishing lines cover most of the obverse and reverse.
From Lester Merkin's sale of February 13, 1971, Lot 854. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 126.
1864 Pattern Quarter Dollar
Paquet's Reverse
P-452, Silver
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1121 1864 pattern quarter. P-452, J-384. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, Paquet reverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Regular issue of the year, no doubt from a die also used to produce Proof coins for sets.
Reverse Design: Paquet's quarter die first used in 1858, then in 1859 (see the preceding lot), and later in 1865.
Surfaces: Brilliant mirrored surfaces display a hint of champagne toning.
Narrative: This is a further use of the reverse die that was first employed in 1858 and 1859, as illustrated above. Further use of this reverse served an unknown purpose, except possibly creating a rarity for collectors. Probably just six or seven examples of this variety are known.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 96.0 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Faint die striae are visible at the borders with the obverse displaying minor die rust. The same die polishing lines are visible on the reverse, as seen on the previous lot.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 421. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 194.
1864 Quarter Dollar Pattern
With Motto IN GOD WE TRUST
P-454, Silver
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1122 1864 transitional pattern quarter. P-454, J-386. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto reverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The exact type, with motto, adopted for regular-issue coinage beginning in 1866.
Surfaces: Sharply struck with deep mirrored fields and cameo devices. An aesthetically desirable example with light russet toning along the peripheries.
Narrative: In a 1959 article in Empire Topics, "The Transitional Coins of America," Dave Bowers advised readers that there were fewer than 10 examples known, all Proofs, two of these on defective planchets. Today, we are aware of just five or six known, based on Andrew Pollock's research.
There is something very special about the 1863, 1864, and 1865 quarter dollars with IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse (the 1863 is not offered in the present sale, but the present 1864 and the subsequent 1865 are featured). Not only are these appealing to pattern specialists, but they furnish an attractive addition to anyone specializing in Liberty Seated coinage.
For many years we have been fans and admirers of The Gobrecht Journal, published under the aegis of Dr. John W. McCloskey. While in its columns much attention has been given to regular issues, relatively little detailed data has reached print concerning patterns. Thus, if Dr. McCloskey ever runs out of material, there is a lot of potential in the pattern series.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 96.4 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Light die rust and die finishing lines are visible on both surfaces, lending credence to our theory that this is a restrike, produced after the reverse with motto was adopted in 1866
From Paramount's session of Auction '79, Lot 175. Earlier offered in Paramount's Rare Coin Lists #16 and #18, and in their sale of September 1978, Lot 642.
Gem 1864 Pattern Quarter Dollar
Reverse With Motto
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1123 1864 pattern quarter. P-455, J-387. Rarity-8. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto reverse. Proof-67 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A superb example, sharply struck, with deeply reflective Proof surfaces. Lovely pinkish orange is accented by bright blue, especially on the reverse.
Narrative: This is a very rare issue in copper. In fact, Andrew Pollock listed only this coin and one other example, from the collection of King Farouk. The Farouk coin is described as Extremely Fine. A third example may exist, as a 1991 auction price is reported for a certified Proof-65 example appearing in an August Heritage Bullet Auction.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 90.4 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Light die rust and die finishing lines.
From our sale of the Robert Branigan Estate, August 21, 1978, Lot 1798.
Superb 1865 Pattern 25¢
Paquet's Reverse
P-495, Silver
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1124 1865 pattern quarter. P-495, J-423. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, Paquet reverse. Proof-67 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Regular die of the year.
Reverse Design: The Paquet reverse as described earlier under our offering of P-281.
Surfaces: Brilliant mirrored silver fields surround lustrous cameo devices. This is a stunning example of the popular Paquet design.
Narrative: This gem is almost certainly the finest known example of the variety and is one of just four reported by Andrew Pollock. Another example appeared in our sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, 1996. It may well be that a long time will pass before an equivalent opportunity is presented. Note that the grade of Proof-67 assigned by PCGS is remarkable in itself-and when added to the rarity of the variety yields yet another remarkable opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 96.0 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Faint die polish lines are visible on both obverse and reverse.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 3, 1971. Earlier offered by Kosoff in his "Illustrated History," Lot 293. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 201. This appears to be the coin used to illustrate United States Pattern, Experimental and Trial Pieces by J. Hewitt Judd, MD.
Lovely 1865 Pattern Quarter Dollar
Reverse With Motto
P-497, Silver
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1125 1865 pattern quarter. P-497, J-425. Rarity-6. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto reverse. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The exact design, with motto, employed for regular-issue quarters beginning in 1866.
Surfaces: Sharply detailed with light ivory toning over deep mirrored fields. An attractive cameo Proof with only a few widely scattered spots.
Narrative: A gem example of this transitional design, long a favorite with pattern collectors and quarter dollar specialists alike. Dave Bowers discussed this variety in an article "The Transitional Coins of America," published 40 years ago in Empire Topics, Issue number 6, May-June 1959.
As discussed under the 1864 equivalent to this variety, the possession of any or all of the 1863-4-5 quarter dollars with motto IN GOD WE TRUST is significant for both pattern collectors and Liberty Seated quarter dollar specialists. Individual examples are very elusive.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 95.7 grains. Diameter: 24.3 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 9, 1971.
1869 Standard Silver Quarter
P-803, Silver
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1126 1869 pattern quarter. P-803, J-722. Rarity-6. Standard Silver. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Liberty is facing right, wearing a cap ornamented by three stars. A ribbon crosses her shoulder and is inscribed LIBERTY in incuse letters. Above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below, a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 25 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below.
Surfaces: Brilliant silver mirrored fields with lustrous devices; an attractive cameo Proof. A few minor hairlines and imperfections are noted.
Narrative: This is the first of several Standard Silver quarter dollars in the present sale, a window on the truly vast production of this numismatically complex pattern series which at the time was a veritable annuity from Mint officials.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 76.9 grains. Diameter: 22.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Faint die lines only on the reverse.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 424. Previously from Stack's sale of April 1955, Lot 923. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 302.
1127 1869 pattern quarter. P-814, J-733. Rarity-5+. Standard Silver. Proof-62 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Liberty is facing right, wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and ornamented by a star, her hair tied in a bun. Above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below, a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A brilliantly mirrored Proof with devices displaying light cameo lustre. Numerous fine hairlines are noted, some of these difficult to distinguish from die polish lines.
Narrative: Both thin and thick planchet varieties were reported by Andrew Pollock, the single thick planchet example weighing in at 83.9 grains. Several thin planchet examples weigh between 76.5 and 77.5 grains.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 76.9 grains. Diameter: 22.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Faint die lines.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, November 17, 1970.
Barber's Liberty Seated 25¢
P-973, Silver
"Stateless" Die Combination
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1128 1870 pattern quarter. P-973, J-876. Rarity-7. Barber's Liberty Seated obverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Die by William Barber. A full figure of Miss Liberty is seated, facing left with 13 stars around and the date, 1870, below. Miss Liberty supports a shield with her right hand, a scroll crossing the shield is inscribed LIBERTY. Her left hand holds an olive branch. A freestanding pole with liberty cap passes behind the shield.
Reverse Design: A wreath of cotton and corn contains the denomination, 25 CENTS, with the inscription STANDARD above. The wide reverse border is the result of a smaller diameter die, as provided for the Standard Silver series, with a larger diameter planchet for normal production of quarter dollars.
Surfaces: Brilliantly mirrored silver surfaces with lightly frosted cameo devices. A few light hairlines are visible. A very sharply struck impression.
Narrative: Just three examples of this rarity were reported by Andrew Pollock. An additional example may exist as evidenced by a 1990 auction price listing, not included in the census for this variety. The country of origin does not appear on this variety-the combination eliminated mention of the United States of America.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 95.9 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Lee Hewitt, April 17, 1972.
Barber's Liberty Seated 25¢
P-974, Silver
Another "Stateless" Issue
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1129 1870 pattern quarter. P-974, J-877. Rarity-7. Barber's Liberty Seated obverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Moderate toning over deeply mirrored fields and lightly frosted devices. An attractive pattern with medium blue and light russet. Very sharply struck with desirable surfaces.
Narrative: A rare variety with just four or five known, this example possibly among the finest of these. Another pattern without a country (should this be called the "Edward Everett Hale variety?"), the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA does not appear on either side.
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection was conceived with care, as the reader can judge by this point in the catalogue. Harry sought and demanded a significance to his patterns-and along the way he acquired many different dies and interesting combinations. He was not as concerned with repetitive strikings in different metals or with different edges of the same die combinations, although there were a few exceptions.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 96.0 grains. Diameter: 24.1 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, November 17, 1970.
1870 Standard Silver Quarter
P-987, Silver
Longacre's 1860 Design
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1130 1870 pattern quarter. P-987, J-888. Rarity-5+. Standard Silver. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: An adaptation of the design created by James B. Longacre in 1860 for use on the $5 piece, known today as P-319 (gold) and P-320 (copper; see later offering in the present sale). The bust of Liberty is facing right, wearing a cap ornamented by three stars. A ribbon crosses her shoulder and is inscribed LIBERTY in incuse letters. Above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below, a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Reverse Design: The denomination and date, 25 CENTS 1870, are enclosed within a wreath of cotton and corn, the inscription, STANDARD, above.
Surfaces: A pleasing light cameo Proof with a whisper of champagne toning. Slight weakness is noted at the center of the reverse. A few minor hairlines and other imperfections are noted.
Narrative: A thin planchet example as noted by Andrew Pollock. Others on thick planchets weigh 84 to 85 grains.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 76.8 grains. Diameter: 22.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, November 17, 1970.
Sharply Struck 1870 Standard Silver 25¢
P-994, Silver
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1131 1870 pattern quarter. P-994, J-906. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 25 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with brilliant, deeply mirrored fields, and lightly frosted cameo devices. A whisper of light gold toning is present.
Narrative: A scarce variety, one of just five or six known. A coin such as this points out one of the great desirabilities of the pattern series. By any account this is a major rarity, and yet the probable market value is in the low four figures.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.4 grains. Diameter: 22.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Faint die lines are visible on the obverse.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 437. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 326.
Gem 1870 Standard Silver Quarter
P-1001, Silver
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1132 1870 pattern quarter. P-1001, J-894. Rarity-5+. Standard Silver. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Liberty is facing right, wearing a diadem inscribed LIBERTY, with her hair tied in a bun. Above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below, a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Reverse Design: The denomination and date, 25 CENTS 1870, are enclosed within a wreath of cotton and corn, the inscription, STANDARD, above.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with deep mirrored fields and lustrous devices. An attractive cameo Proof with a trace of rose toning, more prevalent on the reverse.
Narrative: A thick planchet example of this variety. Although this variety is not among the rarest of its era, it is a beautiful gem, and no doubt it will attract wide bidding attention.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.4 grains. Diameter: 22.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Minor die lines are noted on the reverse.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, November 17, 1970.
1870 Standard Silver Quarter
P-1008, Silver
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1133 1870 pattern quarter. P-1008, J-912. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 25 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below.
Surfaces: An attractive cameo Proof with light russet toning. The reverse has a couple minor toning spots.
Narrative: Fewer than 10 examples of this variety exist, according to Andrew Pollock's 1994 census.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.5 grains. Diameter: 22.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: A few minor die lines, most on the reverse. A small void appears in Miss Liberty's hair, with the identical characteristic appearing on the very next lot.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., August 12, 1974.
Rare 1870 Standard Silver 25¢
P-1009, Silver
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1134 1870 pattern quarter. P-1009, J-913. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Faint gold toning with a few hairlines in the right obverse field accounting for the grade assigned by PCGS. An attractive, sharply struck cameo Proof.
Narrative: Only three or four examples of this variety are known. As with many patterns in the present sale, this represents a very important opportunity to acquire a rare variety. No one has ever put together a complete set of all of the Standard Silver pattern issues of this era, and no one ever will. However, our offering of the Bass Collection coins provides an opportunity to fill in quite a few pieces of this fascinating puzzle.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.4 grains. Diameter: 22.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: As preceding.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 438. Previously from the Waldorf Sale, April 1959, Lot 1091.
Scarce 1870 Pattern Quarter
P-1015, Silver
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1135 1870 pattern quarter. P-1015, J-900. Rarity-5+. Standard Silver. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Liberty is facing right, wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and ornamented by a star, her hair tied in a bun. Above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below, a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Reverse Design: The denomination and date, 25 CENTS 1870, are enclosed within a wreath of cotton and corn, the inscription, STANDARD, above.
Surfaces: A heavily frosted cameo Proof with faint gold toning and a few very minor hairlines. Sharply struck and quite desirable.
Narrative: This is one of the more common Standard Silver quarter dollar varieties, although none of these are really common. This offering and others not only provide an opportunity for the specialist, but also for the casual collector to obtain a representative pattern for his or her collection.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.0 grains. Diameter: 22.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Numerous obverse and reverse die lines.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 433. Previously from the Waldorf Sale, February 1960, Lot 2368.
Gem 1870 Standard Silver Quarter
P-1022, Silver
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1136 1870 pattern quarter. P-1022, J-918. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 25 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below.
Surfaces: Deeply toned, blue and amber. An attractive cameo Proof with the devices slightly subdued by the toning. A gem example that will delight any collector.
Narrative: Just seven or eight examples survive, with only six listed by Andrew Pollock. Another lovely gem, another interesting opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.4 grains. Diameter: 22.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Minor obverse die polish lines.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 439. Previously from Stack's sale of December 1951, Lot 446. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 330.
Longacre's Indian Princess Pattern 25¢
Cameo Style Without Stars
P-1230, Copper
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1137 1871 pattern quarter. P-1230, J-1094. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's famous and very beautiful Indian Princess design. A full figure of Miss Liberty is seated on a globe, facing left, wearing an Indian headdress. A pole with liberty cap is held in her right hand with her left hand resting on the globe, which is inscribed LIBERTY. The date, 1871, is below. Behind Liberty's left shoulder are two flags, one ornamented with 13 stars. There are no stars around the border in the field, giving a beautiful cameo effect to this and related coins.
Reverse Design: The adopted type used to coin regular-issue quarters of 1871.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with light tan blended with traces of blue and lilac. The reverse has considerable mint red remaining. An attractive example, despite a few minor hairlines.
Narrative: This Indian Princess design is captivating, being in a plain field, one of the most pleasing pattern designs ever issued, in this cataloguer's opinion. In fact, more than just a few pattern collectors consider this to be one of the great masterpieces by Longacre, although the issue is posthumous, as Longacre passed away on January 1, 1869.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.8 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 170°.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 1120.
Gem 1871 Pattern Quarter
Indian Princess Design
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1138 1871 pattern quarter. P-1231, J-1095. Rarity-8. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-66 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Bright gray cameo Proof with deep mirrored fields. This is a most attractive design with the light gray an ideal color to bring full attention to the engraver's art.
Narrative: Possibly unique, this is the only example listed in Andrew Pollock's census. The superb quality adds to the importance of this offering. Once this coin crosses the auction block, the underbidder will be required to wait until the new owner decides to sell, which could be many years. We suggest not hesitating as the last time this example was on the market was 27 years ago. Saul Teichman suggests that one or two others are known.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 26.5 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 170°. Die notes: Faint die rust is visible on the reverse.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 1121.
1871 Indian Princess Rarity
P-1232, Silver
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1139 1871 pattern quarter. P-1232, J-1096. Rarity-6+. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-66 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess design, somewhat similar to preceding, now with 13 stars added around the border.
Reverse Design: A wreath of cotton and corn encloses the denomination, 25 CENTS, with the inscription, STANDARD, above.
Surfaces: Faint pink and champagne iridescence on the obverse with deeper russet, blue, and lilac on the reverse. A deep cameo Proof with superb aesthetic appeal. The obverse has a high wire rim at 2:00.
Narrative: A truly splendid example of this motif, the Indian Princess being a long-time favorite. The generally scarce nature of the variety plus the elegant Proof-66 grade combineto create a highly important opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 96.0 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 170 . Die notes: Faint die lines on both obverse and reverse.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, November 11, 1971.
Gem 1871 Indian Princess Quarter
P-1235, Silver
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1140 1871 pattern quarter. P-1235, J-1099. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess, stars in field.
Reverse Design: The adopted type for regular-issue quarter dollars.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with mottled obverse toning, the reverse primarily blue, green, and amber. A most attractive cameo Proof that should draw considerable attention.
Narrative: Another important opportunity to acquire a rarity in the pattern series. Just four are known to exist. This example, the Farouk Collection coin, and the Lemus Collection example are the only three listed by Andrew Pollock in his census. A fourth example appeared in the 1994 ANA Convention sale, conducted by Heritage.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 91.8 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 170 . Die notes: Faint die lines on the obverse.
"Collecting Collectors": In our catalogue of the John Weston Adams collection of 1794-dated cents, published in 1982, we took some time to note that John "collected collectors." Not only did he acquire coins for their own merits, but he also sought interesting pedigrees. If a coin was owned by an old-time collector or dealer, he found it interesting to note this in his records and also to learn more about that person.
In recent times the pedigree of a coin has become increasingly important to a widening circle of collectors. Such notations as "From the Eliasberg Collection," "From the Garrett Collection," "From the Norweb Collection," "From the Brand Collection," etc.-to mention some of our own sales-add a great deal of interest. Among collections from the past, probably upward of 5,000 to 10,000 names have been printed on auction catalogue covers by hundreds of dealers and auctioneers from the 1850s to the present day. Some of these names are famous, others are obscure, but, no doubt, each has an interesting story. The notation "From the Bass Collection," which can be attached to the pedigree of every coin, token, medal, and note in this sale, has its own cachet.
The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is devoted to the study, collecting, and appreciation of numismatic literature, including old-time catalogues. Membership information is yours upon application to our office.
Some notes concerning one of the pedigree names for the presently offered coin may be of interest. We could, if motivated, write a large monograph on this important individual, but for the moment the following will suffice, this concentrating upon some of the controversy surrounding him. Much more could be written about other controversies and, important in the sense of historical fairness, the excellent numismatic information imparted by a reading of his auction catalogues and Numisma issues. The present writer latched upon a run of Numisma in his early days of collecting, in the mid-1950s, and stopped everything to read the series from one end to the other. At the time, very few people were interested in numismatic personalities from the past. Among these few were John J. Ford, Jr., and George J. Fuld, fine friends then and now.
About Frossard: Édouard Frossard. This dealer, born in Switzerland in 1837 or 1838, came to America in 1858 and later served in the Civil War. "Ed." (with a period after the d.) Frossard was especially active from the early 1870s until his death in 1899, by which time he had conducted more than 160 auction sales. Residing in Irvington-on-Hudson, he also published Numisma, a lively periodical, for a decade. In 1879 he produced a text on large cents, the most definitive work on its kind since the original Maris effort in 1869 and 1870.
During his career Frossard engaged in numerous feuds with his peers, often rushing into print with some opinion or statement of fact without thoroughly checking it. Also, he seems to have abandoned ethics for profit, at least on an occasion or two. The aforementioned John W. Adams, in his book on 19th-century American auction catalogues, noted that a later Princeton scholar called Frossard's offering of material relating to famous American artist John Trumbull, in two separate sales, a "massive, deliberate fraud." A fixed price list in 1894 offered 193 "works" of Trumbull; other "Trumbull memorabilia and relics" appeared in an auction on March 19-20, 1896.
Frossard issued Numisma from January 1877 to December 1891, a house organ published to the extent of 59 issues comprising 496 pages. Charles Davis, in a description for our Armand Champa Library Sale I, Lot 237, commented: "An often acid, often scholarly, always entertaining journal with important, although sometimes axe-grinding observations on the business practices of his competitors, and invaluable for reports on contemporary auctions with notices of overgrading and counterfeits liberally sprinkled in. Arrows were shot at, among others, Doctor Woodward (the apothecary unable to sell the false talisman to the children of Knicker), Charley Steigerwalt (the plagiarist with his big journal), Brother Mason (the only original Moses in the coin trade), J.W. Scott, (the Fulton St. octopod), the Chapmans (who produce quarto catalogues with margins sufficiently large for corrections), and David U. Proskey (with a level head and an India rubber conscience)."
Relative to the preceding, the following is, in part, explanatory:
Frossard seemed to have had many people whom he disliked, but none more than the principals of J.W. Scott & Co., especially David Ulysses Proskey, as this item from Numisma, May 1880, reveals:
"SCOTT & CO., ON MR. G.C. STENZ: See St. Luke, Chap. vi., v. 41 and 42. A little over a year ago the above-named firm made in their Coin Journal an impertinent, bitter, and most unjust attack against Mr. W.E. Woodward, simply because this gentleman, after having temporarily withdrawn from the coin business, chose again to enter the lists as a compiler of coin sale catalogues. They feared that with a new opponent of this calibre in the field a still lesser number of coin collections would find their way to market through the capacious stomach of the Fulton Street octopod [Scott]. And in this the firm was right-the day is in fact as distant as ever when, to use the language of its head, body and tail, 'we shall control all important coin sales in the United States.' More recently in an article which on its face appears like fair enough criticism, but is really garbled and mendacious, worthy to have originated in the fertile brain of D.P. [David Proskey], wholesale manufacturer of unique Centennial medals, shirker of auctioneer's bills, and present confidential clerk of the Great Boaster, the onslaught against competition in the coin business is renewed, this time with the Stenz sale as an objective point. In this so-called review, which appears in the Coin Collector's Journal for April, there may possibly be one or two grains of truth, but the difficulty is to discover them among the mass of chaff. In justice to ourself, the compiler of the catalogue and of Mr. Stenz, the owner of the coins sold Feb. 27th and 28th last, we will in as few words as possible, show wherein the so-called review was correct, and wherein it deliberately erred.
"1st No. This sale was not the remnant of the Stenz collection. It was composed of the nearly entire cabinet of the Rev. T. Wilkinson, of Berlin, Prussia, and other coins purchased by Mr. Stenz in Germany since his previous sale. Anyone who will take the trouble to compare the two catalogues can easily convince himself of this.
"2nd. Yes. Here the firm is right. The cabinet was exceedingly rich in time and valuable foreign crowns and thalers. It is probably for this reason that the sale proved such a decided financial success.
"3rd. No. The pieces did not 'in most instances bring about their face value.' The face value of the collection was about $700. The amount realized was over $2,300.
"4th. No. The 1843 proof set alone was offered as stated in a Wall Street broker's window, at $50. It was also, we believe, offered to Scott & Co. at $50 less com. Why did they not buy it? The set is certainly, both on account of its beauty and its great rarity, well worth $100. In fact, we will give Scott & Co. $100 for a duplicate set of this or an earlier date. Can they procure one? Scott & Co. should have purchased this. It would have proved a remunerative investment, but the margin of profit between $50 and selling price was probably not considered sufficiently large to induce purchase. That set was bought for $100 by Mr. Geo. W. Cogan on an order of $150 or less. Other bids were made to $95, and there were at least 6 bids of from $75 to $95. Now what would the Great Boaster have done under like circumstances. Pray, let us know.
"5th. Yes. Mr. Stenz bought at his sale, much to the apparent chagrin of our distinguished contemporary, whose representative had come fully prepared to pick up rare silver coins in nearly proof condition at about 2-3 [times?] face value. Mr. Stenz represented several buyers just as the G.B. apparently does at his own sales. Finally. We are forced to agree with our esteemed and learned reviewer when he says 'The course of proceeding we have related should be discountenanced by all who are interested in collecting coins.' By following himself the rules he is so eager to have others observe, he may possibly, in the course of time, regain the confidence of collectors, and will no longer be obliged to do, at his own sales, that which he unjustly charges Mr. Stenz of having done."
Whether W. Elliot Woodward, who certainly was mentioned favorably by Frossard in the above account, respected or was contemptuous of Frossard is not clear and seems to have varied over a period of time. In 1879 a work by Frossard was published in New York City, titled "Monograph of United States Cents and Half Cents issued between the years 1793 and 1857: To which is added a table of the principal coins, tokens, jetons, medalets, patterns of coinage and Washington pieces, generally classed under the head of colonial coins. A contribution to the numismatic history of the United States." Unsold copies were later purchased by W. Elliot Woodward. However, in the meantime, Woodward in his April 1881 catalogue roundly criticized the Frossard work as being of no value and containing many errors.
In the "Numismatic Gossip" column written in Numisma, January 1881, Frossard took another shot at Proskey: "Bro. Mason believes that the expression 'rare thus' which has lately crept into coin catalogues, originated with Mr. S.K. Harzfeld. He is mistaken. Scott & Co.'s catalogues, generally ascribed to Mr. David Proskey, a nice looking young man, with a level head and a big India rubber conscience, have frequently contained the expression, and if any credit of originality is due in the use of the term it belongs to Mr. David Proskey.-When you criticize fine coins, the property of your neighbor, do not stand on Bangs & Co.'s frail and cracked family cuspidor, or you will put your foot into it, as did one of our esteemed but youthful friends.-Selling good California wine at $1.00 a gallon pays better than to get a fit of the coin publishing mania. So thinks friend Smith, of Philadelphia. We have not yet heard of a man making a fortune in the numismatic publishing business; have you, Bro. Mason?"
In 1921, Henry Russell Drowne shared his reminiscences of the "good old days" with readers of The Numismatist, including this:
"Edward [sic] Frossard of Irvington, New York, I also met at Bangs & Co., and later he made his office with Geo. A. Leavitt & Co., when they were located at 9th Street and Broadway, where he held frequent sales. He published a monograph of United States cents and half cents, and a numismatic paper called Numisma. I found him an honest, reliable man, who, when he made mistakes, took back the coins and cheerfully refunded the money. One winter I took French lessons from him, and also acquired much information in regard to coins. Many of the rare coins in the Parish Collection were acquired by him at sales. On his death his son attempted to carry on the business but did not succeed, and left New York."
The preceding reflects how interesting the checking into of a pedigree can be! (And, as noted, this is only a small part of the Frossard story.) Pardon us if we, like Proskey, use "rare thus" in descriptions now and then.
From our sale of the Garrett Collection, Part II, March 26, 1980, Lot 1037. Previously from Édouard Frossard, May 6, 1882.
1871 Indian Princess Quarter
P-1236, Copper
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1141 1871 pattern quarter. P-1236, J-1100. Rarity-6+. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess with stars.
Reverse Design: The regular motif of the year.
Surfaces: Deep brown and iridescent blue with hints of mint red around various devices. A superb, sharply struck example of this lovely design.
Narrative: This pattern variety is solidly Rarity-7 in our opinion, despite the "Rarity-6 to 7" rating given it by Andrew Pollock. Forgive us if we add that this coin is rare thus, for it is.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 87.1 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 170 .
From our sale of the Armand Champa Collection, May 20, 1972, Lot 1023.
1879 "Morgan Quarter"
P-1788, Copper
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1142 1879 pattern quarter. P-1788, J-1594. Rarity-7. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-65 RD (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Morgan's Liberty Head motif as on the very popular Morgan silver dollar. Around, the motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, with 13 stars, and the date, 1879, below. This design was taken from Morgan's portrait of Anna Willess Williams on certain of his 1877 pattern half dollars.
Reverse Design: A tall, standing eagle with wings spread and head turned to the viewer's left. Around, the legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR, below. The motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is placed in the field beside and below the eagle.
Surfaces: A coin of truly incredible quality. Deep cameo Proof with bright mint orange. This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing coins in this sale.
Narrative: This variety should probably be listed as Rarity-6. Saul Teichman reports at least 10 distinctly different examples. No doubt, at least two or three more exist. This is a superb example, certainly one of the finest survivors.
Years ago collectors talked of "Morgan quarters," and, in fact, the Whitman Publishing Company-before it became enlightened to the extent that it later would be, also referred to "Morgan quarters" as the quarter dollars minted from 1892 to 1916. The intention, of course, was to call them Barber quarters, for Charles E. Barber was, indeed, the designer, not Morgan. However, the coin offered in this lot can properly be called a Morgan quarter, and as such it is especially interesting.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.9 grains. Diameter: 24.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Joe Flynn, Sr. Coin Co., August 10, 1971.
Morgan's 1882 "Shield Earring" Quarter
P-1901, Copper
1143 1882 pattern quarter. P-1901, J-1699. Rarity-7. Shield Earring design. Proof-60 RD (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: George T. Morgan's new Liberty Head concept. On this die a head of Miss Liberty faces right, her hair swept back and held in place by a band inscribed LIBERTY. She is wearing a shield-shaped earring. The motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, is above with the date below, and 13 stars arranged seven left and six right.
Reverse Design: A defiant eagle facing right with wings raised, holding an olive branch in one claw and three arrows in the other. Around, the legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR, below.
Surfaces: Lightly cleaned. Bright orange with a trace of cleaning agent adhered to the interiors of the date digits.
Narrative: Six known examples of this variety are reported by Saul Teichman. He describes five of the six as either choice Proof or gem Proof. Unfortunately, we cannot continue in this vein of quality, for the present piece was cleaned long ago and also shows light wear. No doubt Harry Bass acquired it as an interim measure, so he could study the design, hoping to later acquire a gem.
The motif of Miss Liberty with an earring in the form of a shield is one of the most popular attributed to Morgan. Strikings were made in the quarter dollar, half dollar, and dollar series, and all are highly desired today.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 84.5 grains. Diameter: 24.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Lee Hewitt, April 17, 1972. Probably from the King Farouk Collection.
