Patterns - Lots 1177-1213
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part I
Patterns - Lots 1177-1213
1862 P-351 Half Dollar
GOD OUR TRUST on Ribbon
1177 1862 pattern half dollar. P-351, J-293. Rarity-5+. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: Similar to the adopted design, with the addition of the motto, GOD OUR TRUST, on a ribbon in the field over the eagle.
Surfaces: A superb gem with brilliant white devices providing a lovely cameo effect. The reverse has light vertical striae. This is certainly one of the finest quality pattern half dollars in the present offering.
Narrative: In his auction catalogue of April 28-May 1, 1863, W.E. Woodward noted the following: "Twenty-five sets of the four following patterns were recently struck at the Mint. They were distributed to collectors, with the assurance that they should never be restruck, and a strict injunction that they must never be sold, unless by a sheriff or executor." He then described, in lots 2250 through 2253, patterns of Pollock-351, 353, 355 (or 356), and 357 (or 358). Of course, it is not known which obverse die was used for the two $10 patterns. Woodward described the $10 patterns as "bronze proof." Today, all four of these patterns are offered in this sale, affording collectors an opportunity to reassemble one of the sets.
As we note later under our description of 1863-dated $10 patterns, Woodward was hardly a fan of the Mint. The directorship of James Ross Snowden, whose word has not been found by scholars to have been incorrect, was followed by a long period, 1861-1885, of misinformation and lies, with the result that such people as James Pollock, Archibald Loudon Snowden, and Henry R. Linderman, among others, official Mint historian W.E. Dubois, and others, is part truth and part fiction. Today this means that comments as to the quantities struck, if issued by a Mint official, may or may not be correct. In time, as studies of die state differences are made and published, it may be possible to sort out the striking sequence of various issues of these decades.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 191.7 grains. Diameter: 30.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 1027.
Splendid P-352 Pattern 50¢
GOD OUR TRUST Motto
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1178 1862 pattern half dollar. P-352, J-294. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A light cameo Proof with tan and olive highlighted by bluish brown.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 174.5 grains. Diameter: 30.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Douglas Weaver for many years was a prominent dealer in Texas. For a time he served as secretary of the Professional Numismatists Guild, performing many valuable services for that dealer group.
Purchased from Douglas Weaver, January 21, 1974.
1862 P-353 Pattern 50¢
GOD OUR TRUST Motto
1179 1862 pattern half dollar. P-353, J-295. Rarity-6. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: Similar to the adopted design, with the addition of the motto, GOD OUR TRUST, in small letters in the field over the eagle.
Surfaces: A lightly toned cameo Proof with very sharp design details. Heavy diagonal striae on the reverse, as made. A very lovely example of an issue which is seldom seen so fine.
Note: See related comments under our offering of P-351.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 191.6 grains. Diameter: 30.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: A thin crack from the eagle's lower beak extends to the left corner of the shield. Several other very faint die cracks are also noted.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., August 12, 1974.
1862 P-354 Pattern Half Dollar
GOD OUR TRUST Motto
Copper
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1180 1862 pattern half dollar. P-354, J-296. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Deep orange is highlighted by blue and green toning, a hint of lilac added to the reverse. A sharply struck, cameo Proof with moderately deep mirrored fields.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 179.4 grains. Diameter: 30.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Note: Harry Bass purchased this coin from Jess M. Patrick, a familiar face in professional numismatic circles for a long time, perhaps best known as the proprietor of the Patrick Mint, a distributor of tokens and medals, particularly during the 1970s when many were produced with Indian Head and related motifs.
Purchased from Jess M. Patrick, March 1, 1972.
1863 P-410 Silver Half Dollar
GOD OUR TRUST on Ribbon
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1181 1863 pattern half dollar. P-410, J-338. Rarity-6. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: Similar to the adopted design, with the addition of the motto, GOD OUR TRUST, on a ribbon in the field over the eagle.
Surfaces: A very sharply struck brilliant white cameo Proof with a hint of light gold toning. This lovely gem provides a delightful aesthetic presentation.
Narrative: This is the first of a nearly complete set of 1863 pattern half dollars, the rest of which are offered in the following lots. In fact, the only variety not included is Pollock-416, an aluminum example from the same dies as P-414 and 415. An example of P-416 has been retained by the Bass Foundation as a representative pattern to illustrate the design.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 191.6 grains. Diameter: 30.3 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
A Long Ago Scenario: In his May 1864 sale of the John F. McCoy Collection, W.E. Woodward stated that four-piece sets of the GOD OUR TRUST pattern half dollars and eagles were produced. He reported a statement that "but seven sets were struck, and the obverse die having been destroyed, they must ever remain thus rare." Of course, the obverse die is merely a Liberty Seated die for the half dollar and a Liberty Head die for the eagle, both from the regular-issue series. Apparently, the statement that "But seven sets were struck…" should have been modified to say something like, "But seven sets were struck on Monday afternoon at 3:15 P.M., but we won't tell you how many sets were struck on Tuesday and Wednesday." Of course, we are being a bit facetious, but this is reflective of the lack of veracity of the information that the Mint provided to collectors at the time. Today we know that three of the four patterns in the set are listed as Rarity-6, indicating between 13 and 30 coins exist. The four varieties are Pollock-410, 412, 422, and 424.
Purchased from Douglas Weaver, January 21, 1974.
1863 P-411 Pattern Half Dollar
GOD OUR TRUST Motto
1182 1863 pattern half dollar. P-411, J-339. Rarity-6. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A sharply struck cameo Proof with moderately deep mirrored fields. Olive with blue and amber toning.
Narrative: Another splendid coin, a numismatic reminder from this popular era of pattern issuance. In keeping with the Bass tradition, the quality is marvelous.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 156.8 grains. Diameter: 30.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Paramount's sale of November 8, 1973, Lot 310.
1863 P-412 Pattern 50¢ in Silver
GOD OUR TRUST Motto
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1183 1863 pattern half dollar. P-412, J-340. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: Similar to the adopted design, with the addition of the motto, GOD OUR TRUST, in small letters in the field over the eagle.
Surfaces: A sharply struck brilliant gem with deeply mirrored fields and lustrous cameo devices. This coin, of simply extraordinary quality, will attract wide bidding attention. An offering such as this may not recur in the lifetime of anyone presently holding this catalogue, if indeed even during the new millennium.
Narrative: See related comments under our offering of P-410.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 191.8 grains. Diameter: 30.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Stack's, ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 453. Previously from Stack's S.E. Goldsmith Sale, October 1958, Lot 1453. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 184.
1863 P-413 Half Dollar
GOD OUR TRUST Motto
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1184 1863 pattern half dollar. P-413, J-341. Rarity-6. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Olive and blue with green toning highlights. Sharply struck with moderate Proof surfaces and cameo devices.
Narrative: A splendid specimen that will delight its next purchaser. Individually the various patterns of 1863 are all scarce, some are quite rare, but in high grades as here offered, all are exceedingly desirable.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 171.7 grains. Diameter: 30.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Douglas Weaver, January 21, 1974.
1863 Transitional Pattern 50¢
IN GOD WE TRUST
P-414, Silver
1185 1863 pattern half dollar. P-414, J-342. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-65 BN. [Bar 53] Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: Similar to the adopted design, with the addition of the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, on a ribbon in the field over the eagle.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with light green and amber toning over ivory surfaces. Light cameo contrast.
Narrative: Among half dollar patterns of this year the transitional style with IN GOD WE TRUST, and in the intended metal for half dollar issuance, silver, emerges as being particularly desirable. For the pattern specialist, for the Liberty Seated enthusiast, this is a highly important opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 192.5 grains. Diameter: 30.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., August 12, 1974. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 185.
1863 Transitional Pattern 50¢
IN GOD WE TRUST
P-415, Copper
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1186 1863 pattern half dollar. P-415, J-343. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto GOD OUR TRUST reverse. Proof-66 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: As preceding, IN GOD WE TRUST but used on this coin three years before the motto was regularly seen on circulating coinage of this denomination (1866).
Surfaces: A splendid piece with intense bright blue iridescence combined with splashes of green and amber. A lovely cameo. As with a few other patterns in the Bass Collection, this lovely coin emits a maroon appearance when tilted to the light.
Narrative: This piece is a companion to the preceding, a transitional issue of great significance. Although dated 1863, it is thought likely that these may have been struck circa 1865-1866 for the numismatic trade. Whatever the scenario, the production was exceedingly small.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 167.4 grains. Diameter: 30.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, July 28, 1972.
1864 Transitional Pattern 50¢
IN GOD WE TRUST
P-459, Silver
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1187 1864 pattern half dollar. P-459, J-391. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated obverse, With Motto reverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Reverse Design: The adopted design with motto, as used for regular-issue half dollars beginning in 1866.
Surfaces: A sharply struck gem cameo Proof with faint gold toning.
Narrative: A gem-quality specimen of this highly desired transitional pattern. Just six or seven examples are known. Of these, we doubt that any could be nicer than the present coin.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 191.3 grains. Diameter: 30.5 mm. Die alignment: 170°.
Purchased from Douglas Weaver, January 21, 1974. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 196.
1869 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-823, Silver
1188 1869 pattern half dollar. P-823, J-742. Rarity-5+. Standard Silver. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Miss Liberty is facing right, wearing a cap ornamented by three stars. A ribbon crosses her shoulder and is inscribed Miss LIBERTY. Above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below, a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. William Barber's initial, B, is hidden in the folds of the ribbon. Actually, Barber copied this motif from James B. Longacre (see later offering of Pollock-320), and an L initial would be more appropriate.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 50 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below. Stars separate the date and inscription.
Surfaces: Deeply toned gold with blue and lilac on the reverse. Highly reflective mirrored fields frame the heavy cameo devices.
Narrative: This is the first in a long run of 1869 and 1870-dated Standard Silver half dollars. In fact, 21 different examples are being offered. Among these are relatively available varieties, such as that offered here, and other varieties that are much rarer, such as the next lot. Still others, later in the sale, may be unique or nearly so, such as the 1870 Pollock-1085, possibly the only example of the variety known. All of these are part of the numismatic merry-go-round known as the standard silver series, conceived with lofty intentions (to redeem fractional currency notes and to permit silver coins to circulate once again), but dedicated to the pursuit of numismatists. Most probably, the majority of these patterns that reached the market before 1908-1909 were sold through J.W. Haseltine and, later, Stephen K. Nagy. Today, these issues are eminently collectible, and, as noted, the Bass Collection offers a remarkable opportunity in this regard.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 154.1 grains. Diameter: 29.4 mm. Die alignment: 170°. Die notes: On the obverse, the L (LIBERTY) is sharply doubled below, while on the scroll the entire word GOD is sharply doubled. Numerous faint die polish lines are visible on the reverse.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., August 12, 1974.
1869 Pattern Standard Silver 50¢
P-826, Copper
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1189 1869 pattern half dollar. P-826, J-745. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Deep bluish green with hints of mint red around letters in the legend. Quite sharply struck.
Narrative: The copper version of the preceding, but seemingly struck in restricted numbers, as only a few can be accounted for today.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 160.7 grains. Diameter: 29.2 mm. Die alignment: 170°. Die notes: As preceding.
Purchased from Lee Hewitt, April 17, 1972.
1869 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-831, Silver
1190 1869 pattern half dollar. P-831, J-748. Rarity-5. Standard Silver. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Miss 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: As preceding.
Surfaces: Light champagne with deeper russet toning, especially on the reverse. Deeply mirrored cameo Proof, subdued by the toning. A superb gem for the connoisseur.
Narrative: Although P-831 is among the more collectible varieties in the standard silver series, in the grade here offered it emerges as being quite scarce, if not rare.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 154.4 grains. Diameter: 29.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Reverse as preceding.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., August 12, 1974.
1869 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-832, Silver
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1191 1869 pattern half dollar. P-832, J-749. Rarity-6+. Standard Silver. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A brilliant, silvery white gem cameo Proof. Exceptionally deep mirrored fields with heavily frosted devices. This is a coin of superb aesthetic appeal.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 154.3 grains. Diameter: 29.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Reverse as preceding.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 458.
1869 Pattern Standard Silver 50¢
P-833, Copper
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1192 1869 pattern half dollar. P-833, J-750. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Sharply struck with deeply mirrored fields and lustrous devices. A lovely cameo Proof with bright olive accented by russet and lilac.
Narrative: Another splendid standard silver half dollar, this struck in copper, seemingly in fewer numbers than its silver sister.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 130.1 grains. Diameter: 29.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Reverse as preceding.
From our sale of the Armand Champa Collection, May 20, 1972, Lot 1042.
1869 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-838, Silver
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1193 1869 pattern half dollar. P-838, J-754. Rarity-5+. Standard Silver. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Miss 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: Attractive cameo Proof with deep mirrored fields and heavily frosted devices. Faint champagne toning enhances the aesthetic appeal of this truly lovely coin.
Narrative: The rarity rating assigned to this variety seems to indicate that it probably was sold as part of a set or group at the time. Quality-wise, we estimate that this piece is in the top 25% of those surviving.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 154.4 grains. Diameter: 29.4 inches. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Swirling die lines are visible on the higher points of Liberty's profile. Reverse as preceding.
Note: In 1942 James Kelly, a jeweler in downtown Dayton, was just beginning to realize that numismatics could be interesting and profitable. Later, he would achieve great prominence in the field. In 1960 he was tapped by J. Oliver Amos, founder and publisher of Coin World, to be in charge of an innovation that subsequently proved to be a dynamic addition to that weekly newspaper, the "Trends" column. Before this time there was no such thing as the weekly reporting of coin prices (the Coin Dealer Newsletter was not founded until two years later, 1963.) A few years after launching the "Trends" column, Kelly was a principal in the formation of Paramount International Coin Corporation. Regarding the 1942 ANA Convention, this was held at the Netherland Hotel in Cincinnati, and is probably the most widely discussed gathering of collectors of the era, as for years afterward Abe Kosoff, who was prominent among the dealers in attendance, loved to write about what happened. Thomas G. Melish-he of Cincinnati commemorative half dollar fame (better, infamy), perhaps the biggest "pirate" in attendance, hosted a hospitality suite in the penthouse of the hotel called the Pirate's Den. He commissioned a local artist to make sketches of dealers in pirate garb, and placed the illustrations around the wall. Sol Kaplan, who had been in the stamp business earlier, was exceedingly impressed with what he saw at the ANA Convention, began his exit from philately and his entry into numismatics, later becoming the city's most prominent professional numismatist.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 35. Previously from James Kelly, privately, at the 1942 ANA Convention, August 26, 1942.
1870 Barber Liberty Seated Pattern 50¢
P-1039, Silver
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1194 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1039, J-933. Rarity-7. Barber's Liberty Seated obverse. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: William Barber's Liberty Seated design. A full figure of Miss Liberty is seated, facing left with 13 stars around and the date, 1870, below. 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: The adopted design used to strike regular-issue half dollars of this year.
Surfaces: An example of superb aesthetic appeal with deeply mirrored fields and intense cameo devices. Beautiful iridescent toning, among the most attractive in the present offering.
Narrative: The obverse design is attributed to William Barber. However, the influence of Christian Gobrecht's Liberty Seated design is strong. Perhaps Barber was trying to improve it, but as, probably, the egg is incapable of being improved as is the rainbow, no matter what Barber's efforts were, he might not have succeeded. In contrast, James B. Longacre took a different tack, and his Liberty Seated motif did not copy Gobrecht, but, instead, rendered the personification of Liberty as an Indian princess, this being a more successful endeavor.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 191.9 grains. Diameter: 30.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 37. Previously from Abe Kosoff, May 1942, Lot 218.
1870 Barber Liberty Seated Pattern 50¢
P-1041, Copper
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1195 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1041, J-935. Rarity-7. Barber's Liberty Seated obverse. Proof-67 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A superb gem with bright blue iridescent toning, changing to deep maroon with differing angles of light. Absolutely pristine with sharp design details.
Narrative: The copper version of the preceding, and like it, rare. In addition to its desirability as a pattern, the incredible Proof-67 grade will no doubt attract even more bidders.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 167.3 grains. Diameter: 30.6 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 38. Previously from Abe Kosoff, May 1942, Lot 220.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1052, Silver
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1196 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1052, J-939. Rarity-6. Standard Silver. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Miss 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, 50 CENTS 1870, are enclosed within a wreath of cotton and corn, the inscription, STANDARD, above.
Surfaces: Brilliant cameo Proof with a wisp of rose toning across the obverse. Sharply struck with superb aesthetic desirability.
Narrative: With this offering begins one of the most memorable runs of Standard Silver half dollars to appear in our generation. Scarcity and rarity combine with high grade and excellent eye appeal to create a truly important opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 153.9 grains. Diameter: 29.4 inches. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: A few very faint reverse die lines are visible.
Purchased from R.W. Coram, August 11, 1972.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1053, Silver
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1197 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1053, J-940. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-62 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Sharply struck with moderate cameo devices. Light gold toning with a few minor hairlines and other impairments.
Narrative: Another interesting coin from this extensive series.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 154.9 grains. Diameter: 29.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 468.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1060, Silver
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1198 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1060, J-964. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 50 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below. Stars separate the date and inscription.
Surfaces: Brilliant cameo Proof with a faint trace of gold toning. A few very faint hairlines are visible, however, these are strictly consistent with the assigned grade.
Narrative: A nice example of the variety and grade.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 168.1 grains. Diameter: 29.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Lester Merkin's sale of February 13, 1971, Lot 896. Previously from Coronet Coin Co. "Gentleman's Study Collection," Lot 56, earlier from Sotheby's King Farouk "Palace Collection" 1954, Lot 1849. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 335.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1073, Silver
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1199 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1073, J-945. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-62 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Miss Liberty is facing right, wearing a cap ornamented by three stars. A ribbon crosses her shoulder and is inscribed LIBERTY in raised 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, 50 CENTS 1870, are enclosed within a wreath of cotton and corn, the inscription, STANDARD, above.
Surfaces: Moderately contrasting cameo Proof with faint gold toning. A few hairlines are noted on both obverse and reverse.
Narrative: Another pleasing example, one combining high rarity with, in the context of the Bass Collection, fairly low Proof grade-perhaps yielding a somewhat lower priced opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 153.9 grains. Diameter: 29.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Lester Merkin, February 13, 1971, Lot 887. From 1966 ANA Sale. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 337.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1075, Copper
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1200 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1075, J-947. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-66 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Deeply reflective mirrored fields surround light cameo devices. Considerable faded mint red on the obverse is blended with bright blue. The reverse is predominantly blue with faint traces of red around portions of the devices.
Narrative: One of just four or five surviving examples of this variety. Only two coins were listed by Andrew Pollock, however, a few more auction appearances have occurred in the meantime. Although no specific census has ever been made, it is likely the case that no example in existence exceeds the present in terms of quality.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 159.9 grains. Diameter: 29.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Minor die polish lines are visible on the reverse.
Purchased from Douglas Weaver, January 21, 1974.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1085, Aluminum
Possibly Unique
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1201 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1085, J-973. Rarity-8. Standard Silver. Proof-63 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 50 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below. Stars separate the date and inscription.
Surfaces: Bright gray surfaces with very slightly reflective mirrored fields. A patch of light hairlines is visible in the right obverse field. Some planchet irregularities appear to be as struck.
Narrative: This may be the only known example of the variety. In addition to this coin, Andrew Pollock listed one other example, once part of the collection of Waldo Newcomer. The Newcomer coin is untraced and may be this same coin.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 45.8 grains. Diameter: 29.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Waldo C. Newcomer was one of several famous coin collectors who have firmly enshrined Baltimore on the map of numismatic fame. The list of well known numismatists includes Col. Mendes I. Cohen (active in the mid-19th century), Dr. George Massamore (ditto), T. Harrison Garrett (who by the 1880s had the second finest collection of United States coins ever gathered, the finest at the time being that of Lorin G. Parmelee), Waldo C. Newcomer (whose collection would be better known today if it had been sold at auction, but it was consigned to B. Max Mehl who broke it up and distributed it piecemeal; many incredible rarities were contained), Robert Garrett, John Work Garrett (who added many incredible rarities to the collection of his father, T. Harrison Garrett), and Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. (who began collecting in the 1920s, and who by 1950 did something that no one had ever done before, and probably will never do again: he acquired one of every different date and mintmark of known United States coin, plus many other items as well). And, no description of Baltimore numismatics would be complete without mentioning the father and son team of Melvin and George Fuld, who practically single-handedly, brought the research and discipline of the Civil War token series into the modern era, not to overlook accomplishments in many other areas. And, if this were not enough, we need but mention Frank Duffield, who for a period of decades edited The Numismatist from Baltimore.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., August 12, 1974.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1089, Copper
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1202 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1089, J-977. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-62 RD (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Miss Liberty is facing right, wearing a cap ornamented by three stars. A ribbon crosses her shoulder and is inscribed LIBERTY in raised letters. Above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below, a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. William Barber's initial, B, is hidden in the folds of the ribbon, as perhaps it should be, for the art is that of James B. Longacre (as noted earlier).
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Orange-hued surfaces, cleaned long ago, now partially retoned. Perhaps what it lacks in visual appeal is made up for by notable rarity. The successful bidder will be the ultimate judge.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 144.1 grains. Diameter: 29.5 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Douglas Weaver, January 21, 1974. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 339.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1093, Aluminum
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1203 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1093, J-980. Rarity-8. Standard Silver. Proof-65 (PCGS). Aluminum. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Another lovely specimen in a lineup of especially attractive and interesting coins.
Narrative: Three distinct specimens are listed in Andrew Pollock's census. The other two are examples in the Smithsonian Institution and the Western Heritage Museum. For the moment, this appears to be the only example available to collectors. If you want a real numismatic challenge, try forming a type set of Standard Silver aluminum patterns, one example from each die pair. Even if you have "more money than you know what to do with," you may not reach your collecting goal, unless you are very young! (Even then, there is no guarantee of success but, on the other hand, no one has ever made a round of golf with a score of 18, and perhaps, Annie Oakley excepted, no one has ever shot 100 consecutive bull's eyes.)
Technical Aspects: Weight: 46.0 grains. Diameter: 29.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: OBV: GOD recut. Crack at 7:30.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., April 1, 1974.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1094, Silver
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1204 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1094, J-951. Rarity-5+. Standard Silver. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A bust of Miss 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, 50 CENTS 1870, are enclosed within a wreath of cotton and corn, the inscription, STANDARD, above.
Surfaces: Bright silver obverse with lightly toned reverse. A lovely cameo Proof with heavily frosted devices. The toning tends to obscure the reflectivity of the reverse.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 168.6 grains. Diameter: 29.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Lester Merkin's sale of February 13, 1971, Lot 888.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1099, Aluminum
A Rare Composition
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1205 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1099, J-955. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-65 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A superb, bright gray gem Proof with intense cameo contrast. A delightful coin to behold. Very light file marks are noted on the obverse rim, almost certainly done within the confines of the Mint at the time this gem was struck.
Narrative: Some pattern issues, and especially those struck in aluminum, were subject to very high, unnatural wire rims. These occurred at the time the coins were struck. As this feature was not considered desirable, Mint personnel would sometimes file these down after the coins were struck. This should certainly not be considered damage, as this rim filing was done as part of the production process. (In a related context, white metal and aluminum tokens and medals made by Lovett, and others, often had their rims filed down before such pieces were sold or otherwise distributed.)
Technical Aspects: Weight: 45.6 grains. Diameter: 29.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Douglas Weaver, January 21, 1974.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1101, Silver
A Rarity Among Rarities
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1206 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1101, J-981. Rarity-8. Standard Silver. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 50 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below. Stars separate the date and inscription.
Surfaces: Moderate cameo Proof with heavy iridescent toning consisting of lilac, russet, amber, and bluish green.
Narrative: Especially rare, rated by Andrew Pollock as R-8 (two or three known), with the only other example specifically known to us being the coin in the Lemus Collection.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 167.9 grains. Diameter: 29.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Lester Merkin's sale of February 13, 1971, Lot 900.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1102, Silver
One of the Finest Known
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1207 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1102, J-982. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with brilliant silver surfaces and a whisper of light gold toning. A superb example with sharply contrasting mirrored fields and cameo devices.
Narrative: As a class, plain edge Standard Silver issues tend to be rarer than the reeded edge examples. No doubt, as the examination of minute die characteristics of pattern coins progresses over the years, some chronology can be made as to whether reeded edge and plain edge pieces were issued about the same time, or whether one classification was produced before the other.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 168.4 grains. Diameter: 29.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Lester Merkin's sale of February 13, 1971, Lot 901. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 341.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1108, Silver
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1208 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1108, J-957. Rarity-6. 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, 50 CENTS 1870, are enclosed within a wreath of cotton and corn, the inscription, STANDARD, above.
Surfaces: A gem cameo Proof with bright silvery white surfaces. Very sharply struck with deeply reflective fields.
Narrative: Another lovely entry in the Standard Silver sweepstakes.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 168.6 grains. Diameter: 29.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Faint die lines only.
From Stack's ANA Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 472.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1116, Silver
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1209 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1116, J-987. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-66 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The denomination, 50 CENTS, is inside a wreath of oak and laurel, the inscription STANDARD SILVER above, the date below. Stars separate the date and inscription.
Surfaces: A brilliant gem cameo Proof with deeply lustrous devices. An aesthetic treat with a whisper of very faint champagne toning.
Narrative: In addition to aspects such as scarcity and numismatic interests, the incredible grade of Proof-66 lends appeal. The result creates yet another opportunity which may not be repeated for a long time.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 168.6 grains. Diameter: 29.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: A few very faint die lines are noted.
From our sale of the Terrell Collection, May 18, 1973, Lot 995. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 343.
1870 Standard Silver Pattern 50¢
P-1118, Copper
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1210 1870 pattern half dollar. P-1118, J-989. Rarity-7. Standard Silver. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). Copper. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: An attractive gem Proof with moderate cameo contrast. The obverse has vivid blue and lilac toning with amber and mint red about the periphery. The reverse is mostly lilac, faded from mint red, with traces of blue.
Narrative: High-quality copper strikings of the Standard Silver series-as well as just about any other area of the pattern series-are difficult to find, as copper is a more chemically active metal. Again, the Bass Collection offers incredible opportunities.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 146.4 grains. Diameter: 29.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, July 28, 1972.
Longacre's 1871 Indian Princess Pattern 50¢
Cameo No-Stars Obverse
P-1244, Silver
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1211 1871 pattern half dollar. P-1244, J-1108. Rarity-7. Longacre's Indian Princess obverse, without stars in field. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's posthumous 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. The field itself has no stars, with the open area of surface imparting a beautiful cameo effect to the motif.
Reverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with a trace of very faint gold on the obverse. The reverse is double struck with a few degrees rotation between the two impressions. This feature was recorded by Harry Bass after he acquired this lovely coin, and he considered it to be particularly interesting because of this aspect.
Narrative: In any lineup of pattern half dollars, Longacre's Indian Princess without stars occupied a position of importance. Relatively few were struck, and fewer yet remain today.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 181.4 grains. Diameter: 30.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Reverse double struck!
From New Netherlands Coin Co., 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 41. Previously from Col. E.H.R. Green, via James Kelly, May 27, 1943.
Longacre's 1871 Indian Princess Pattern 50¢
P-1247, With Stars, Silver
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1212 1871 pattern half dollar. P-1247, J-1111. Rarity-7. Longacre's 1871 Indian Princess obverse, with stars in field. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess design, somewhat similar to preceding, but with 13 stars added around the border.
Reverse Design: A wreath of cotton and corn, with the inscription STANDARD above, and the denomination, 50 CENTS, within.
Surfaces: Deep blue and lilac toning subdues the mirrored fields and frosted devices. A superb gem that might warrant an even higher numeric grade, although certainly the PCGS classification of Proof-65 is notable.
Narrative: Another splendid tribute to Longacre produced two years after his passing, this 1871 Indian Princess half dollar is at once rare and gorgeous to behold.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 185.7 grains. Diameter: 30.6 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Abner Kreisberg's "Quality" Sales Corp, November 30, 1970, Lot 1301.
1871 Indian Princess Pattern 50¢
P-1250, With Stars, Silver
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1213 1871 pattern half dollar. P-1250, J-1114. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess motif, stars in field, the die as preceding.
Reverse Design: The adopted design for regular-issue half dollars.
Surfaces: Deeply mirrored fields with a trace of light blue toning. The balance of both the obverse and reverse display a deep silver appearance, rather difficult to describe. A few hairlines and other imperfections are noted, and are accounted for by the numerical grade.
Narrative: Only a handful of specimens can be accounted for, of which this probably is about par for quality. This beautiful design has long been a numismatic favorite.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 186.2 grains. Diameter: 30.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Col. E.H.R. Green has been discussed in a number of our earlier catalogues, and in Dave Bowers' book, Adventures with Rare Coins, some interesting biographical details can be found under the narrative relating to the famous 1913 Liberty Head nickel (for at one time Green had all five of the known specimens). Green bought with passion, with a checking account backing him up, beginning in the era of World War I, and continuing with great energy throughout the 1920s, and into the 1930s. He seems to have accumulated coins rather than appreciating them, as, unlike Virgil M. Brand, William H. Woodin, Louis E. Eliasberg, and other famous super-collectors of yore, he contributed nothing to the numismatic community-no displays of his material, no articles or essays, nothing else. Similar to what William Randolph Hearst did with many of his art objects, Green bought heavily, and squirreled his pieces away. In the process he acquired many wonderful coins, and today the pedigree "From the Green Collection" is interesting and honored.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 42. Previously from Col. E.H.R. Green, via James Kelly, May 27, 1943.
