Patterns - Lots 1244-1266
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part I
Patterns - Lots 1244-1266
Gem 1863 Copper Dollar
P-418, Copper
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1244 1863 pattern dollar. P-418, J-346. Rarity-7. Liberty Seated, With motto. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Christian Gobrecht's Liberty Seated obverse. Miss Liberty is seated on a rock facing the viewer's right, her head turned to permit her to look over her right shoulder. Liberty's right hand supports a shield inscribed LIBERTY, while her left hand holds a pole with a liberty cap. The date is below, and 13 stars surround, interrupted by the head of Miss Liberty and the liberty cap. This is the adopted obverse design used for silver dollar coinage 1840-1873.
Reverse Design: The adopted type used for regular-issue silver dollars beginning in 1866, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST being added above the eagle on the reverse.
Surfaces: A gem example with highly mirrored deep orange fields and lustrous brownish orange devices. Faint traces of blue toning accent this lovely pattern. This is certainly a highlight of the present offering from an aesthetic perspective. A lovely coin, about as pristine as one could possibly hope for, a connoisseur's delight.
Narrative: The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was adopted on circulating American coinage beginning with the two-cent piece of 1864. Two years later, in 1866, the inscription was added to certain silver and gold coins, including the dollar series. It is believed that sometime circa 1865-1866, the Mint decided to produce transitional patterns of earlier dates, 1863, 1864, and 1865, employing the IN GOD WE TRUST motto. Sets of these pieces were struck in silver, copper, and aluminum, and all are rare today. Although certain die characteristics matching patterns with dies used to make regular-issue Proofs for collectors' sets have been noted by Walter Breen, Andrew W. Pollock III, and others, no truly definitive study has ever been made. Quite possibly if enough 1863-1865 transitional patterns were put together in one place, and accompanying regular-issue Proofs were on hand, some conclusions could be drawn as to the time line of striking.
Today the transitional issues are highly desired, representing as each does a coin with a "story." As noted above, the Harry Bass Collection coin is especially beautiful.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 373.4 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
1864 Transitional Pattern $1
With Motto Reverse
P-465, Copper
1245 1864 pattern dollar. P-465, J-397. Rarity-6. Liberty Seated, With Motto. Proof-62 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Regular Liberty Seated design as preceding.
Reverse Design: Eagle with IN GOD WE TRUST above, the style regularly used 1866 and later.
Surfaces: Bright pinkish orange mirrored fields with cameo devices. A trace of light blue is noted on the highest points. Minor hairlines are visible, the result of this coin being cleaned at some time. Still highly desirable.
Narrative: Another rarity from the transitional pattern series of 1863-1865, discussed above. Only a handful of strikings are known in any of the metals. Thus, the appearance of a specimen is always a significant numismatic occasion.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 365.6 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: For the record we note some "die markers" that may be of use to anyone with a technical turn of mind. To the right of the exposed foot of Miss Liberty a cross-hatching area of lines connects the base to the dentils. Along the dentils at the right side are many minute die lines from the preparation process. The date position, which varies on Proofs of this year, is best described by the photograph. The reverse die has a number of minute raised lines from the die-making process, a prominent one extending from the lower right of the first A (AMERICA) down to opposite the second T (TRUST); other raised lines are seen here and there, including several through the arrowheads.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Magnificent 1865 Transitional Dollar
With Motto Reverse
P-507, Silver
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1246 1865 pattern dollar. P-507, J-434. Rarity-6. Liberty Seated, With motto. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Regular Liberty Seated design as preceding.
Reverse Design: Eagle with IN GOD WE TRUST above, the style regularly used 1866 and later.
Surfaces: Lovely bright silver cameo Proof with deeply reflective mirrored fields. A truly superb example, without doubt among the very finest known of this extremely desirable issue. The connoisseur will bid with the assurance that the piece will never have to be upgraded.
Narrative: The silver impression of the 1865 transitional dollar represents the issue in its most desirable numismatic form. Indeed, for all aspects and appearances this is identical to a regular 1866 with-motto Proof dollar, except it was produced a year earlier. This piece will rightfully take its place in any high-quality specialized collection of dollars.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 412.5 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The obverse die is highly polished-exceptionally so-a showpiece among Proofs. A very tiny raised die line or thorn is seen extending from between two dentils on the left border, into the field opposite the highest point on star 4. The position of the date is indicated by the illustration. The reverse die also has an extraordinarily highly polished surface. Markers suitable for cross referencing include two lines connecting N and G (IN GOD) and a slightly curved line from the ribbon fold extending to the right through WE. We do not know, but suspect that a counterpart could be found upon regular Proof dollars of the 1866 and/or 1867 years.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 9, 1971.
Appealing 1870 Barber Silver Dollar
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1247 1870 pattern dollar. P-1127, J-996. Rarity-7. William Barber's Liberty Seated obverse. Proof-62 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A full figure of Liberty, 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 free-standing pole with liberty cap passes behind the shield.
Reverse Design: The denomination 1/DOLLAR is centered inside a wreath of corn and cotton with the inscription STANDARD above.
Surfaces: Fully brilliant and deeply mirrored. Some normal hairlines in the field consistent with the grade assigned (without such hairlines any and all 19th-century Proof coins could be given very high grades).
Narrative: A visually appealing dollar of one of the standard designs of the year. Miss Liberty is rather delicate in size, in relation to the surrounding field, imparting a cameo-like effect to the extent that the stars and curiously positioned liberty cap and pole allow. William Barber did not have the sense of artistic proportion that Gobrecht and Longacre had, or that Morgan would later have; thus, from an aesthetic viewpoint the various William Barber designs are apt to garner mixed reviews. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In summary, the present piece is one of Barber's finer productions of the era.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 405.6 grains. Diameter: 37.9 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
Regarding Standard Silver patterns, although there are some exceptions, the typical die combinations were struck in silver, copper, and aluminum, and with plain as well as reeded edges.
The reverse was the dollar-size entry into the so-called "Standard Silver" sweepstakes, which saw denominations of the dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar produced. The thought was to create a substitute for the current Liberty Seated coins which had not circulated effectively (at least not in the eastern and midwestern parts of the United States), since the early days of 1862. In the interim, Legal Tender paper notes, Postage Currency, Fractional Currency, and other media filled the place once occupied by silver coinage. Contemporary Liberty Seated silver coins could be purchased from the Treasury Department by paying a premium for them in terms of paper money, such pieces being primarily used in the export trade. Legal Tender notes were quite out of favor with the public, and not even Uncle Sam would accept them at par for Proof coins or business strikes.
The thought behind the Standard Silver pattern issues, which began in the late 1860s, was that silver coins of lighter than regular weights could be struck, and if they were placed into circulation they would not be hoarded, as their melt-down value would yield no profit. However, despite a prolific outpouring of patterns, most of which were made for the numismatic trade-no Standard Silver issues were ever produced in business strike form. Eventually, beginning in a small way in 1873 and building to a crescendo in April 1876, long-stored Liberty Seated coins were released into circulation by the Treasury Department. When this happened, the public realized that there was no continuing advantage to hoarding, and further quantities entered commercial channels from pent-up private caches. Added to these influxes were silver coins which returned from foreign countries, particularly Canada. The result was that by 1879 there was a glut of silver coins in circulation, which resulted in sharply reduced mintages of business strike dimes, quarters, and half dollars for that year and a time thereafter. (Silver dollars were an entirely different situation, and were produced in record quantities beginning in 1878 due to the boondoggle known as the Bland-Allison Act, which mandated that the government buy millions of ounces of unwanted silver, to support the sagging market for the metal, and coin the bullion into dollar form.) Also see related notes under Lot 1087.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 3, 1971.
Gorgeous 1870 Barber Pattern Dollar
P-1134, Silver
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1248 1870 pattern dollar. P-1134, J-1002. Rarity-6+. Barber's Liberty Seated obverse. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: William Barber's version of the Liberty Seated design as preceding.
Reverse Design: Eagle with motto IN GOD WE TRUST above, the motif used on regular-issue coins 1866-1873.
Surfaces: Brilliant deeply mirrored surfaces with delicate champagne toning of exquisite beauty.
Narrative: This issue combines William Barber's pattern obverse with the regular die of the year. The word "Standard" is nowhere to be seen, although such pieces were intended as part of the Standard Silver series. This piece and related patterns in the dollar series have been numismatic classics for a long time. The Harry Bass, Jr. Collection affords many bidding opportunities to acquire coins that have been off the market for years, the present piece being last sold in 1970.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 405.0 grains. Diameter: 37.7 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Half reeding!
This coin's previous owner, Gaston DiBello, was for many years a prominent figure on the numismatic scene, particularly in Upstate New York where he, John Pittman, Dr. Feori Pipito, James Sartoris, Jake Cheris, and others-the present catalogue editor (QDB) remembers them well-enjoyed each other's camaraderie. DiBello, who made a fortune in the automobile business after World War II, had an eye for rarity and quality, and was one of the prime buyers of pattern coins from major offerings of the era, including the dispersal of the King Farouk Collection in Cairo in 1954. He always had a ready smile, and always had the time to "talk coins" with anyone interested.
From Stack's sale of the DiBello Collection, May 14, 1970, Lot 409.
Another 1870 P-1134 Pattern $1
Barber's Liberty Seated Design
Duplicate
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1249 1870 pattern dollar. P-1134, J-1002. Rarity-6+. Barber's Liberty Seated obverse. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: William Barber's version of the Liberty Seated design as preceding.
Reverse Design: Eagle with motto IN GOD WE TRUST above, the motif used on regular-issue coins 1866-1873.
Surfaces: Mostly brilliant surfaces with just a whisper of champagne toning, a delightful coin in every respect. How unusual it is that there are two specimens of P-1134 from which to choose in the present sale.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 412.1 grains. Diameter: 37.9 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Full reeding.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 39. Previously from the 1942 A.N.A. Sale, Lot 313.
Magnificent 1870 Indian Princess Pattern $1
Longacre's Design
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1250 1870 pattern dollar. P-1148, J-1014. Rarity-6+. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A full figure of Miss Liberty is seated on a globe, facing left. She is wearing an Indian headdress. A pole surmounted by a liberty cap is held in her right hand with her left hand resting on the globe, which is inscribed LIBERTY. The date, 1870, is below. Behind Liberty's left shoulder are two flags, one ornamented with 22 stars. The field has 13 stars around.
Reverse Design: The style used on regular coinage 1866-1873 with IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle.
Surfaces: A splendid Proof with delicate golden toning on obverse and reverse, an absolutely gorgeous example-a paradigm of what a coin should look like from an old-time collection, but not often does! Obviously, this coin was preserved with loving care for 130 years of its life.
As James B. Longacre died on January 1, 1869, this design lived after him. The beauty of the motif plus the elegant condition of the present specimen combine to yield a true highlight.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 396.8 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The obverse die is signed LONGACRE at the lower right, in a logotype punch of all capital letters; the identical punch was used by Longacre in the private sector to sign certain tokens relating to George Washington, something which may have been published before, but which we just noticed the other day when sorting through some Washington pieces. The upper part of Miss Liberty, the headdress, face, and hair are close to the Indian Princess style used on Type II gold dollars (1854-1856). The reverse is the standard silver dollar die.
On the reverse there is doubling at GO (GOD) and at W (WE).
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Another Longacre Indian Princess Pattern $1
Silver, Plain Edge
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1251 1870 pattern dollar. P-1149, J-1015. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess design, seated on a globe, prominent LONGACRE signature at lower right.
Reverse Design: The style used on regular coinage 1866-1873 with IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 401.2 grains. Diameter: 37.7 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Identical dies to preceding.
From Abner Kreisberg's "Quality" Sales Corp, November 30, 1970, Lot 1305.
Longacre's Indian Princess Design
No Stars in Field
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1252 1871 pattern dollar. P-1256, J-1120. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A full figure of Liberty is seated on a globe, facing left. She is 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. Starless field.
Reverse Design: The denomination 1/DOLLAR is centered inside a wreath of corn and cotton with the inscription STANDARD above.
Surfaces: Brilliant surfaces with just a touch of champagne toning.
Narrative: A beautiful, indeed elegant coin, without stars in the obverse field-imparting to the overall motif a cameo-like aspect which recalls the beautiful Liberty Seated dollar of 1836 without stars or, for that matter, the illustrious dime and half dime of 1837 and 1838-O. This coin will be an outstanding addition to any advanced collection.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 397.9 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: On the globe inscribed LIBERTY, the continents of North and South America are shown in stippled form within outlines. The portrait is similar to that used on other pattern coins of the era and depicts Miss Liberty as an Indian Princess, the head and shoulders bearing a close resemblance to the Type II gold dollars. In the present instance the die is prominently signed J.B.L. at the lower right. Again this is a posthumous issue, as Longacre died on January 1, 1869.
Purchased from Gene Henry, April 22, 1972.
Lovely Indian Princess Pattern Dollar
P-1258, Copper
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1253 1871 pattern dollar. P-1258, J-1122. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-62 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess motif, prominently signed J.B.L., starless field, as preceding.
Reverse Design: Standard Dollar motif as preceding.
Surfaces: Rich chestnut or saddle leather-colored surfaces. A beautiful specimen which highlights to excellent advantage one of the most aesthetically appealing motifs attributed to Longacre. Indeed, the obverse die work on this and related pieces is of exquisite detail, with folds of the drapery, Miss Liberty's jewelry, the headdress, and other aspects being very delicately cut.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 348.4 grains. Diameter: 37.8 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 1972, Lot 1126. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 366.
Gem Longacre Indian Princess Dollar
Starless Obverse Field
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1254 1871 pattern dollar. P-1262, J-1126. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess motif, prominently signed J.B.L., starless field, as preceding.
Reverse Design: The style used on regular coinage 1866-1873 with IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle.
Surfaces: Brilliant deep mirror fields. A splendid specimen, indeed probably the finest known or certainly in a very rarified atmosphere. A coin that will attract much attention.
Narrative: When offering this coin in 1976, we noted "We hope that whoever buys it will consign it back to us again someday, hopefully soon, so we can see it and catalogue it again!" It has been over 22 years since those words were written, perhaps not "soon," however, we are certainly delighted to catalogue and offer this lovely coin again!
Technical Aspects: Weight: 396.8 grains. Diameter: 37.8 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
From our sale of the River Oaks Collection, November 11, 1976, Lot 995.
Superb Indian Princess Pattern Dollar
P-1265, Copper
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1255 1871 pattern dollar. P-1265, J-1129. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). Copper. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess motif, prominently signed J.B.L., starless field, as preceding.
Reverse Design: The style used on regular coinage 1866-1873 with IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle.
Surfaces: A superb specimen, sharply struck and well defined in every aspect. The red and brown surface is attractively blended and shows rich highlights of magenta and iridescent blue.
Narrative: Another opportunity to acquire a variety of the famous Longacre Indian Princess design with starless field, a feature giving this and related pieces a cameolike aspect.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 368.9 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
The pedigree of this piece to the Armand Champa Collection brings to mind that well-known numismatist of Louisville, Kentucky. Armand, who was in the roller skating rink and commercial property businesses, formed a memorable cabinet of pattern coins during the 1960s, and consigned them to us in 1971, after which we presented them at auction in 1972. Once a numismatist, always a numismatist, it has been said-and Armand was no exception to the rule. No sooner had he sold his patterns through us than he embarked on another collecting adventure, this time in the field of rare numismatic books. In this field he also achieved great prominence and accomplishment, and when his library was catalogued by Charles Davis and sold by us through a series of four auctions, 1994-1995, many records were set in an event that will be remembered for a long time.
From our sale of the Armand Champa Collection, May 20, 1972, Lot 1083.
Another Memorable Indian Princess
Pattern Dollar
Superb Gem Proof
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1256 1871 pattern dollar. P-1266, J-1130. Rarity-8. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess motif, prominently signed J.B.L., starless field, as preceding.
Reverse Design: The style used on regular coinage 1866-1873 with IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle.
Surfaces: Brilliant. A splendid coin which must not have been much if any different on its birth day nearly 130 years ago.
Narrative: A superb specimen which will satisfy just about every numismatic desire-an elegant design, extremely high quality, and unquestioned rarity. Significantly, Andrew Pollock listed the auction appearances of just two examples of this variety, the other of which was circulated.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 109.2 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
The Rare Coin Company of America descended from Ben's Coin Shop, operated by Benjamin Dreiske, Chicago. RARCOA, as it became known, included on its staff David Shapiro, a son of Jake Shapiro, a.k.a. Jake Bell, one of America's most prominent collectors of gold coins in the 1940s. Dave Shapiro attended not only to business at RARCOA, but did much to help the growth of the Professional Numismatists Guild. Ed Milas was also important in the firm from an early time, and today it continues under his skilled management.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 1129.
Another Beautiful Indian Princess Dollar
P-1268, Copper
Previously Undescribed Reverse
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1257 1871 pattern dollar. P-1268, J-1132. Rarity-8. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess motif, prominently signed J.B.L., starless field, as preceding.
Reverse Design: The adopted type, without motto, used for regular-issue silver dollars until 1865. The minute details of this die, given below, to our knowledge have not been described before.
Surfaces: A gorgeous coin that will delight the aficionado and connoisseur.
Narrative: This splendid gem incorporates the elements of rarity, beauty, and other considerations, which make such pieces so interesting to own.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 364.1 grains. Diameter: 37.7 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The reverse die is of the without-motto style properly used from 1840 to 1865, and not supposed to have been used after that date, especially after pronouncements were made by certain Mint officials in 1869 that all earlier-dated dies had been destroyed. However, we have long since learned that the word of Mint officials as expressed circa 1860-1885 often lacks veracity. Because of the use of old dies, today we have a rich variety of very numismatically interesting coins to contemplate-such as this piece. Obviously, this was made for the numismatic trade, as there was no intention of reverting to the without-motto style. This identical die has a little spot below the A in STATES and was also used to strike certain 1858 silver dollars. Presumably this die was made in or about 1858, as we have no clear evidence that dollars were restruck later. This same die reappears on other pattern dollars as well as trade dollar issues. Significantly, this reverse die is different from that used on P-1564! So far as we know, this differentiation has not been made in print before. Thus, we now know that there were at least two different pre-1866 reverse dies on hand at the Mint in later years.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 368.
Possibly Unique 1871 P-1269 Dollar
Indian Princess Design
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1258 1871 pattern dollar. P-1269, J-1132a. Rarity-8. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-61 RB (PCGS). Copper. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess motif, prominently signed J.B.L., starless field, as preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Cleaned long ago. Perhaps in need of judicious retoning. Quite possibly this came from the collection of King Farouk, a numismatist (of sorts) who cleaned many of his copper issues to make them "bright."
Narrative: Notwithstanding the grade of this piece, the presently offered P-1269 is important for its rarity. Andrew Pollock lists just two specimens, one from the King Farouk Collection, not later traced, and the present piece, which, per the above, we believe might be from Farouk. If this is so, then the present piece may be unique, just one known to exist! Of further significance is the fact that R. Coulton Davis did not know of any specimens of this variety when he studied the series in the 19th century, nor did Edgar H. Adams and William H. Woodin when they compiled their monumental text in 1913. Quite possibly the term "once in a lifetime opportunity" is again relevant.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 362.8 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Rare 1871 P-1270 Longacre Pattern Dollar
Longacre's Legacy Continued
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1259 1871 pattern dollar. P-1270, J-1133. Rarity-6. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A modification of James B. Longacre's Indian Princess design, now with the signature J.B.L. absent, and with 13 stars added around the border.
Reverse Design: The denomination 1/DOLLAR is centered inside a wreath of corn and cotton with the inscription STANDARD above.
Surfaces: A splendid specimen with delicate and beautiful iridescent toning. The obverse displays delicate hues of magenta, electric blue and gold. The reverse is somewhat similar, but with electric blue predominating. A coin that the connoisseur will appreciate, for few patterns of any variety are seen in this combination of technical grade and aesthetic appeal.
Narrative: This design continues the Longacre legacy. At the Mint William Barber or an assistant utilized Longacre's Indian Princess motif and created a die with variations from that described earlier. The result is an aesthetically pleasing coin of great appeal. To this must be added the aspect of rarity. Most probably, fewer than a dozen pieces exist in all of numismatics. Of these, the present coin is certainly one of the finest.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 386.4 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Superb Indian Princess Pattern Dollar
Stars in Field, 22 Stars in Flag
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1260 1871 pattern dollar. P-1281, J-1139. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-66 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Indian Princess design, somewhat similar to the preceding, but with 22 (instead of 13) stars in the flag, and some other distinctions.
Reverse Design: Standard Silver motif as preceding.
Surfaces: A splendid gem specimen, a coin of exquisite beauty from a design standpoint and also from the aspect of preservation. The obverse and reverse display a delicate blend of iridescent toning ranging from light gold to magenta, to electric blue-just about all the shades one might find in a summer sunset. Indeed, just gazing upon the coin gives a sense of numismatic joy and tranquility.
Narrative: In an offering laden with gems and rarities, here is another coin that "has it all"-a specimen that combines the aspects of beauty, rarity and high grade with the quintessential aspect of the Harry Bass, Jr. Collection pedigree. We can readily imagine that this piece will be a treasure to its next owner for a long time, perhaps equal to the quarter century span in which it has been part of the Bass Collection.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 395.9 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., August 12, 1974.
Memorable 1871 Indian Princess Dollar
P-1284, Copper
1261 1871 pattern dollar. P-1284, J-1142. Rarity-7. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). Copper. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: Standard Silver motif as preceding.
Surfaces: Pale golden toning with splashes of sea green, magenta, and blue. Sharply struck.
Narrative: Another memorable specimen of this attractive design. Andrew Pollock was able to trace just two different specimens definitely, with the possibility of another two, suggesting the Rarity-7 designation he assigned. However, it may be the case that the listings include duplication, and that just two or three exist.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 354.8 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 371.
Splendid Gem Indian Princess Pattern Dollar
P-1288 Silver
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1262 1871 pattern dollar. P-1288, J-1146. Rarity-6+. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Another exquisite coin, a rare beauty displaying nuances of golden toning with splashes of delicate brown and hints of magenta. We could not even imagine a nicer looking example of this rare issue.
Narrative: The number of different specimens of this variety is not known, but it may well be the case that it is below a dozen, in which case this issue would be Rarity-7. Populations, grade levels, etc., in the pattern series, are not as well defined as in the regular federal series, simply because many fewer pieces exist and, consequently, still fewer have changed hands. The existence of certain issues is known only by old-time catalogue listings, with no specific pedigree chain telling us where they are today.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 397.9 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Kagin's sale of November 2, 1973, Lot 1351.
Longacre's Indian Princess Dollar
P-1289, Copper
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1263 1871 pattern dollar. P-1289, J-1147. Rarity-6+. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Brown with tinges of red. A splendid specimen, well struck, and with everything sharply defined. Rich brown surfaces are accented with tinges of magenta and electric blue. This design from Longacre's own hand, is more elegantly conceived than the somewhat related 1872-dated coin by William Barber (see P-1348 following).
Narrative: This represents the swan song of Longacre's obverses on pattern silver dollars in the present sale, closing an offering that will be long remembered. As can be said for virtually any pattern in the Bass Collection, opportunity is the key word.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 376.1 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Stack's A.N.A. Sale, August 11, 1971, Lot 477. Previously from the J.M. Wade Collection.
Barber's Indian Princess Pattern Dollar
P-1348, Silver
Rarity-8(?)
Possibly Unique
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1264 1872 pattern dollar. P-1348, J-1208. Rarity-8. Indian Princess obverse. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: William Barber's adaptation of James B. Longacre's Indian Princess design (Barber being the standard attribution, although the die is not signed). Miss Liberty is shown in a seated position, her right hand holding a pole with liberty cap, her left hand resting on a globe. Behind her are two flags, the closest of which is ornamented with 13 stars.
Reverse Design: The style with IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle as regularly used 1866-1873.
Surfaces: Delicate champagne toning over deep mirror surfaces. A splendid specimen.
Narrative: Andrew W. Pollock III listed just two specimens of P-1348, the present piece plus possibly another-or else this identical piece-which was sold by Sotheby's as part of the King Farouk Collection, Cairo, 1954. Thus, the piece should have been listed as Rarity-8, in the absence of other citations. If this and the Farouk coin are identical, then the present piece may be unique! The combination of beauty, rarity, and quality come together to create a numismatic landmark. If, indeed, the piece is unique, then most certainly the term "once in a lifetime opportunity" is again applicable!
Technical Aspects: Weight: 420.3 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The portrait of Miss Liberty is slightly modified from that created by Longacre during his lifetime, but owes a debt to what he did. On the present motif the longtitude and latitude lines are absent from the globe, North America is distorted and seems to run into Russia (obviously the person who worked on this die, probably William Barber, was anything but a geographer), and South America has just about disappeared. The stars on the flag, 13 in number, were punched by an unsteady, possibly even quivering hand, with the result that all four stars in the top row (at the upper left, as the coin is oriented) are doubled, the second star in the second row is sharply doubled, and certain others show traces of doubling as well. To examine this die under a magnifying glass is an adventure in itself. The date logotype, 1872, is placed too high on the die, close to the base of the motif and distant from the dentils.
The Terrell Collection, mentioned below, was formed by a Californian who had a deep interest in history and Americana, but who had not encountered rare coins until the 1960s. Late in that decade he tapped the talents of our numismatic staff to build for him a collection of United States coins by design types, plus a few other interesting things-such as private and territorial gold coins. His interest did not prove to be lasting, and shortly thereafter he consigned his collection to us. However, the net results were most gratifying, for when all was said and done he more than doubled his investment!
From our sale of the Terrell Collection, May 18, 1973, Lot 617. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 379.
Splendid 1875 "Liberty by the Seashore" $1
Obverse Die Cutting Error
P-1564, Copper
Curious and Extremely Rare
1265 1875 pattern dollar. P-1564, J-1421. Rarity-7. Liberty by the Seashore. Proof-64 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Miss Liberty is seated on a globe facing left. Her left hand is on the globe, which is inscribed LIBERTY. Her raised right hand holds an olive branch. She faces the sea, with a ship in the distance. Thirteen stars above, and the date, 1875, below. A scroll above the date contains the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST. The ship sails to the east (right) with sails billowed in the forward direction, however, the smoke from the stack is trailing behind the ship.
Reverse Design: The earlier standard type as used on Liberty Seated dollars 1840-1865 without motto.
Surfaces: A splendid specimen with an attractive mixture of light brown, electric blue, and mint red.
Narrative: This beautiful and rare pattern dollar is most properly a pattern trade dollar, as the obverse die was intended for the trade dollar series. However, someone at the Mint decided to create a numismatic delicacy by combining it not only with the incorrect denomination, but also with a die from an incorrect era. The intended objective was accomplished in good order-indeed, a prime rarity was created, one which has a great fascination today and which will engender desire on the part of many prospective bidders. This and certain related coins are among the most curious, most interesting patterns to come from the Philadelphia Mint during the era.
In 1913, William H. Woodin wrote that just eight specimens were struck of this variety, which we have no reason to doubt, as Woodin was party to certain sources not available today-most probably through connections with his friends and numismatic suppliers, John W. Haseltine and Stephen K. Nagy, both of whom were conduits for the sale of rarities from within the nearby Philadelphia Mint. However, Andrew Pollock disputes this-actually in a favorable way with regard to the sale of this coin-noting that only a handful of pieces have ever appeared at auction, and intimating that even fewer than eight were made. Regardless, here is a prime rarity, and one with a great deal of additional appeal from the illogical obverse die and, in another context, the use of an illogical reverse as well.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 350.9 grains. Diameter: 38.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Miss Liberty's orientation toward the viewer's left is significant, as she faces China, the intended destination for trade dollars. In the distance is a steamship with auxiliary sails, with the wind blowing the sails to the right and the smoke to the left-a comical and illogical situation, but one which has several counterparts elsewhere in numismatics and also in the general field of marine art (recently, while visiting the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, we saw a few illustrations with this error). Miss Liberty is holding an olive branch in her hand, emblematic of peace, while her left hand rests on a globe which is well defined by latitude and longitude marks, but which has no geographic features noted. The word LIBERTY in bold sans-serif letters is on a band at the equator. Below the motif is the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon or banner, and below that is the date 1875, seemingly from a single logotype punch. The reverse is of the style used on Liberty Seated silver dollars 1840-1865, without motto, but is from an entirely different die than that described earlier in conjunction with P-1268. On the present die, the left-most triad of vertical stripes in the shield pierces the bottom-most horizontal stripe above, with the second and third members of the trio extending through the four horizontal bars above. On the other hand, the die used to strike P-1268 has no such extension of the vertical members, thus definitively proving that the dies are, indeed, different. The die used to strike the present lot also has rust patches in the upper left obverse field, particularly between NIT (UNITED) and ST (STATES) and the eagle. No such die patches appear on the die used to strike P-1268, and the little spot on 1268 below A (STATES) is recessed in the coin, meaning it was raised in the die. These differences were first noted by your editor (QDB) on March 2, 1999 (not that anyone is necessarily interested in such things).
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Gorgeous 1876 "Sailor Head" Pattern $1
A Classic Rarity
P-1607, Copper
Enlarge
1266 1876 pattern dollar. P-1607, J-1458a. Rarity-7. Coronet Liberty Head. Proof-66 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse depicts William Barber's "Sailor Head," so-called on the 1875 20-cent piece, but here in larger format and somewhat differently configured. Miss Liberty wears a pointed coronet or diadem with the word LIBERTY prominently emblazoned in relief. The neck is curiously truncated at the lower right, as illustrated. The field is plain, save for the date 1876 which seems to have been applied with a four-digit logotype.
Reverse Design: The reverse is of a pattern design enclosing the inscription in an open wreath, spelled out as ONE/DOLLAR, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is seen at the top border, and the requisite motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, is inserted along the bottom border in small letters.
Surfaces: A splendid specimen, light reddish brown with delicate hints of iridescent green and blue. As pretty as the proverbial picture.
Narrative: This is a "godless" coin inasmuch as the other motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is nowhere to be seen. For many years the date 1876 has been very special in the annals of pattern collecting. Only a few varieties were struck this year, and all of these went to privileged insiders at the Mint, with Dr. Henry Richard Linderman, director, probably being the prime recipient. From a numismatic viewpoint, Linderman was the fox in the coin collecting henhouse, and as director he could have made for his private collection-which was quite extensive-whatever he wanted. And, he did. Many curiosities were struck to his order, for his own collection as well as for sale to outsiders. Concerning the latter, the conduit was probably J.W. Haseltine, who during this same general era introduced Proof restrike dollars of 1801-1803 to the collecting community (such pieces were probably made in the same decade, quite possibly using trade dollar planchets), and whose confessions, if they had been printed in full, would probably rearrange much of what we know about Mint history of the general era 1865-1885.
Among 1876 coins, the most illustrious were in dollar-size format, some displaying silver dollar reverses, others trade dollar reverses, and others the old commercial dollar reverse. As can be seen from even a hasty perusal of the Judd and Pollock references, specific 1876-dated obverse dies were made up for several different varieties from which only a handful of pieces were ever struck. On such occasions Mint employees were working for Director Linderman, not for the public.
However, to complete the record we do note that in his Annual Report of the Director of the Mint, 1876, Henry Richard Linderman issued a plea for recoinage of the silver dollar, a denomination that had not been struck since 1873 (should the present purchaser of this lot desire the documentation we would be happy to furnish a copy). However, this does not seem to have resulted in any pattern silver dollars with the normal intent that coins might be made subsequently for general circulation. As noted, the 1876 dollars (and trade dollars) seem to have been numismatic delicacies-and delicious ones at that!
Pattern dollars of this year are dominated by William Barber's Liberty Head motif with coronet, quite similar to his earlier "Sailor Head" design, as noted. The portraits vary from one to the other in terms of decorative beading on the coronet, positioning of the word LIBERTY, the presence or absence of IN GOD WE TRUST and stars, etc.
The rarity of 1876-dated pattern dollars (and trade dollars) is so extreme that even an advanced collection is not apt to include a single example of any issue within the date! How remarkable it is, and how lucky we are that the Harry Bass, Jr. Collection offers multiple opportunities. Most probably, whether certain 1876-dated pattern dollars are ever represented in your collection will depend entirely upon your successful bidding in the present sale.
Each of the 1876 die combinations has its own story to tell, and much more could be said. The present piece is "Godless," to pick up nomenclature from the English series (such as for the 1848 "Godless" florin), inasmuch as the name of the Deity is nowhere mentioned, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST being absent.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 399.4 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Under magnification the portrait of Miss Liberty displays a wealth of raised swirls, die lines, and other artifacts of the engraving process-very instructive and educational, and certainly curious to observe. This characteristic, of course, is true of all impressions of this die, with, perhaps, earlier impressions being more prominent in this regard.
It is interesting and perhaps relevant to reproduce here the historical note included in the New Netherlands catalogue noted in the pedigree, which relates to early pattern research, or lack of it:
"Adams' treatment of the 1876 patterns was, as usual, calculated to obscure the important matters of the numbers struck or those known in collectors' hands; and generations of subsequent research have failed to definitely settle either point. For instance, in the Adams-Woodin book he says that prior to initial publication (The Numismatist, April 1911, pg. 120) neither he nor Woodin knew of any save two designs in copper (pg. 148, Adams-Woodin text) whereas four different pieces were published 21 years earlier when one of the greatest pattern collections of all time was being broken up. That was the Woodside auction of 1892, conducted by David Proskey and Harlan P. Smith (neither one mentioned by Adams so far as we know), which was the actual source of many of Woodin's patterns. In addition, the H.P. Smith sale of 1906 by the Chapman brothers-also unmentioned-contained three designs in copper (which were probably three of the original Woodside coins). Woodin bought Granberg's holdings outright and consigned the duplicates to many different dealers and auctioneers before and after World War I, so that at one time he owned both the silver (eight piece) sets of 1876. Relative specifically to the variety offered here, Adams under his number 1487 said only "copper" without mentioning the edge; he appears not to have known that some varieties came with both edges. His cut shows part of the obv. edge reeding, but it is unclear if the coin pictured in A.W. was silver or copper; this variation seems to have been Newcomer's discovery. The existence of Farouk 1958 (as Judd 1463 but plain edge) completes the group of four Liberty Head dollars with plain edges. We only know of three specimens in copper with reeded edge from the A.W. 1487 (Judd 1457-58) dies: (1) Stickney 574, Henry Chapman, 1907; later, most probably, O.K. Rumbel, Lot 2901, our 1952 ANA Convention offering; (2) Bement 164 ("smeared," probably cleaned later), Henry Chapman, 1916; (3) The present coin (possibly finest of the three), identified by the diagnostic obv. rim flaw; believed offered by Wayte Raymond, inside back cover, The Coin Collector's Journal, February 1941, thence to Col. Porter."
Note: Actually, it was not Edgar H. Adams who wrote the 1913 Adams-Woodin book on patterns. William H. Woodin did the writing, while Edgar H. Adams took the photographs. This is not generally known. The situation is confused by the fact that in current issues of The Numismatist Edgar H. Adams included much helpful information on patterns, thus causing a later generation to believe that he was the author of the book. The overall contributions of both Adams and Woodin to numismatics-not only to patterns but to other areas as well-are simply immense.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 58. Previously from B. Max Mehl, Col. Porter Sale, June 1942, Lot 1303.
