Patterns - Lots 1267-1294
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part I
Patterns - Lots 1267-1294
Exceedingly Important 1876 Pattern Dollar
P-1609, "Sailor Head"
Silver, Only Two Struck!
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1267 1876 pattern dollar. P-1609, J-1459. Rarity-8. Coronet Liberty Head. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse design depicts William Barber's "Sailor Head," here in smaller form than on P-1607, but essentially the same motif. The details differ, and although the curious neck truncation is seen at the lower right, the hair details are differently done, and the word LIBERTY is completely different, in the present case being in sans-serif letters that are quite thin, as opposed to the with-serif letters of J-1876. The portrait is placed in a plain field, save for the motto IN GOD WE TRUST in widely spaced letters below the neck, and the date 1876 (from a four-digit logotype punch) below.
Reverse Design: Reverse design as preceding.
Surfaces: A superb specimen with delicate heather and champagne toning over deep mirror fields. A few hints of blue are seen on the obverse, while the reverse has a fair amount of delicate blue. A simply gorgeous, breathtaking coin-a rare beauty.
Narrative: According to William H. Woodin-who certainly would have known- just two examples were struck of this variety. Of these two, we have handled both, the presently offered coin which traces its pedigree back to H.O. Granberg and, probably William H. Woodin before that (although this is not reflected in the provenance), and an example that was later in the Farouk Sale. Not even the Smithsonian Institution has an example.
Add this aspect of rarity to the numismatic significance and fame of the 1876 date, plus the fact that this piece is struck in silver, and the prospective bidder will realize that here, indeed, is one of the most important pattern dollars to cross the auction block in our time.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 419.8 grains. This piece was probably struck on a trade dollar planchet, within a year or so of the time that Proof restrike 1801-1803 dollars were also struck from such planchets (our theory). Diameter: 38.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: This die was hand finished. Similar to P-1607, the present obverse die shows many interesting raised lines when viewed under magnification.
From our sale of the William Sieck Collection, July 28, 1981, Lot 278. From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 62; earlier from H.O. Granberg.
Another Remarkable 1876 Pattern Dollar
P-1611, Copper
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1268 1876 pattern dollar. P-1611, J-1461. Rarity-8. Coronet Liberty Head. Proof-62 BN (PCGS). Copper. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: Barber's "Sailor Head" adaptation, as preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Pale sea green with hints of magenta. Dies as preceding.
Narrative: Another specimen of this die variety, the present piece being struck in copper. The number struck is not recorded-William H. Woodin did not elect to disclose what knowledge he may have had. However, Andrew Pollock picked up the traces, and in his book lists two examples sold at auction, the lovely specimen we offered in October 1977 as part of the Fairfield Collection, and the present coin for which the pedigree is given below. Might it not strain credulity to suggest that similar to the silver piece earlier offered, only two of these copper impressions were struck? The truth may never be known, but in any event the piece is, indeed, a formidable rarity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 368.7 grains. Diameter: 37.7 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From our sale of the Armand Champa Collection, May 20, 1972, Lot 1087. From Sotheby's King Farouk "Palace Collection," 1954, Lot 1961.
Exceedingly Rare 1876 Pattern $1
P-1614, Copper
Only Two Traced
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1269 1876 pattern dollar. P-1614, J-1463a. Rarity-8. Coronet Liberty Head. Proof-62 RB (PCGS). Copper. Plain edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse depicts Barber's "Sailor Head," large size, with the word LIBERTY in serif letters. 13 stars surround, save for the top border where the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is inserted. At the bottom the date 1876 is seen, from a four-digit punch. As a matter of technical interest, this head is a bit smaller and is slightly differently configured than the portrait punch used on P-1607. Further, the letters in the word LIBERTY are slightly differently arranged, and there are numerous other details that could be cited.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Bright red-orange, cleaned long ago, but now somewhat attractive-although hardly a paragon of beauty. The coin might be a candidate for judicious retoning, as overall it is quite attractive.
Narrative: What this piece may lack in high grade may be compensated for by its rarity. Andrew Pollock gives this telling commentary: "Unique?" He traces just two appearances, the presently offered coin and the Farouk specimen sold by Sotheby's in 1954. As the present coin is cleaned in the manner of which Farouk cleaned many of his other copper coins (thank heaven he stayed away from cleaning his silver and gold coins!), we will go out on a limb and state that this and the Farouk coin are the same. This is an opinion, not a fact, but it is probably correct. If so, then the coin will answer Pollock's question. If not, then the piece still stands as being of extreme rarity. Indeed, where can another be found?
Technical Aspects: Weight: 365.3 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: As with other appearances of this portrait, under magnification many interesting die finish lines are seen.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973. From Sotheby's King Farouk "Palace Collection," 1954, Lot 1958.
Wonderful 1876 Pattern Dollar
P-1616, Copper
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1270 1876 pattern dollar. P-1616, J-1465. Rarity-7. Coronet Liberty Head. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse depicts yet another rendition of Barber's "Sailor Head," this with the word LIBERTY in serif letters, slightly high on the coronet, and with the top border of the coronet defined by adjacent dots of descending size from the front to the back, intended as beads. The 13 stars are small, close to the border, and at the top are interrupted by IN GOD WE TRUST in small letters. The date 1876 is below the portrait, from a four-digit logotype punch, and is a bit too close to the dentils. Perhaps a better position would have been slightly to the right and slightly higher
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A gorgeous specimen with an attractive mixture of bright copper, pleasing magenta, and electric blue.
Narrative: Paraphrasing George Orwell, while all 1876 pattern dollars are rare, some are rarer than others. This is one of the "others"-while it is rare in an absolute sense, Andrew Pollock does trace the auction appearance of three different pieces, with the possibility that two or three others may exist. Of course, in just about any venue except 1876 pattern dollars, this would define a rarity! As noted in an earlier listing, the grades of extant patterns are not well delineated, and the population reports that serve the collectors of federal coins are not of equal use here. Thus, we have no way of knowing how the present piece compares in quality to the others cited by Pollock, as grading interpretations change over a period of time. However, without a doubt the present piece stands very high in any ranking that might ever be made.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 403.0 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Sidney W. Smith, August 11, 1971.
1876 Silver Dollar/Trade Dollar Rarity
P-1619, Copper
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1271 1876 pattern dollar. P-1619, J-1468. Rarity-7. Liberty by the Seashore. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse depicts Miss Liberty seated at a seashore, with a sailing ship in the background, the present ship being of different configuration than that seen on P-1564, although the two motifs bear some superficial resemblance. On the present coin the smoke trails to the left, while the sails are all furled, showing just the masts and the rigging, but no cloth. Curiously, the smoke seems to come from the center or main mast(!), which has rigging. On the obverse of P-1564 the smokestack is separately delineated, is very high (nearly as high as the mast) and thick. Perhaps some thought should be given to a discussion on nautical motifs on American coins-with observations that the engravers must not have been familiar with ships. On the present design the obverse is starless, giving a cameo-like effect to the design. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is on a label above the date, with circles at each end of the label. Behind the globe the sheaf of wheat is abruptly truncated on the right, unlike the general motif used on P-1564 (and on which ground is present to the right of the sheaf).
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: The surfaces display a gorgeous mixture of mint red, electric blue, and rich brown, all against deep mirror fields.
Narrative: This lovely gem combines many appeals. First of all, it is a numismatic curiosity. The obverse seems to have been intended for a trade dollar, made in a year in which serious discussion was being given to revamping the trade dollar motif (but in the same year no consideration at all was given to creating new silver dollars for circulation; dollar patterns are numismatic delicacies). The reverse is denomination ONE/DOLLAR. Thus, we have a trade dollar/silver dollar, take your pick. Beauty is another aspect of desirability-the coin is gorgeous. The quintessential aspect of the 1876 date comes into play, as coins dated this year are especially highly prized. Regarding rarity, only a handful exist in all of the numismatic world.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 368.2 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from A. Kosoff, August 19, 1972.
Exceedingly Important 1876 Pattern Dollar
P-1621 in Silver
Anachronistic Reverse
Only Two Known
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1272 1876 pattern dollar. P-1621, J-1470. Rarity-8. Liberty by the Seashore. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: The reverse of the present piece is of the Liberty Seated dollar style 1840-1865 and is from the identical die described earlier in connection with P-1564.
Surfaces: Brilliant. A very nice example of the issue.
Narrative: This coin rings down the curtain on our offering of 1876-dated pattern dollars, although the present piece is somewhat of a hybrid, combining a trade dollar obverse with a silver dollar reverse, the latter defining the denomination. The reverse is anachronistic, and by all accounts should not have existed, especially when the director of the Mint stated in 1869 that all earlier-dated dies had been destroyed. In any event, here this coin is-and it most certainly does exist.
Regarding the rarity of this piece, Andrew Pollock traced just two, the present piece and the coin earlier in the Farouk Collection. Any 1876 pattern dollar struck in silver is of formidable consequence, and the present specimen, one of just two in existence, is especially so. A long time may elapse before another is offered. Whatever the price paid, the successful bidder will have on the day after the sale a specimen in his or her collection, while hundreds of other pattern specialists all over the United States will still be yearning for one.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 420.0 grains (no doubt struck from a trade dollar planchet). Diameter: 38.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Abner Kreisberg's "Quality" Sales Corp, November 30, 1970, Lot 1307.
Fabulous 1877 Pattern Dollar
P-1715, Copper
First of Three Varieties
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1273 1877 pattern dollar. P-1715, J-1542. Rarity-7. Coronet Liberty Head. Proof-66 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The portrait is Barber's "Sailor Head" similar to that used earlier, but now with the date 1877 below. 13 stars are in the obverse field below. The diadem has yet another treatment, and above the word LIBERTY (in serif letters) appears a border of dots and dashes.
Reverse Design: The reverse illustrates an agricultural wreath, open at the top, enclosing the denomination as 1/DOLLAR. The latter word appearing in rather tall letters reflective of the artistry of Anthony C. Paquet, but not attributed to him (by this time the Mint had a good supply of punches on hand from earlier times). The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears around the border in letters of different proportion, while in still smaller letters the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is seen near the bottom border, set off by a six-pointed star on each side.
Surfaces: A gem coin which is mostly mint red, with some natural light brown toning and a few hints of blue.
Narrative: Similar to the 1876 pattern dollars, the 1877 dollars are of another magic date. Only three different varieties are known to exist, all struck in copper- and all of which are represented in the present sale! Each is of extreme rarity, with not more than a handful known. If one were to issue a call for specialists to present their 1877 pattern dollars for inclusion in an exhibit-similar to that staged by the American Numismatic Society in 1914-the result would probably be a nearly empty case! Even the more advanced cabinets of patterns are apt not to include a single specimen.
All three varieties are from different dies, all attributed to William Barber. Following the philosophy of the 1876 dollars, the 1877 dollars were struck under circumstances that were not publicized, and were made available only to people who had friends within the walls of the Mint.
The present coin, combining as it does the aforementioned aspects, plus beautiful gem quality, will be prized for a long time in the collection of its next owner.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 383.5 grains. Diameter: 38.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Under magnification only a few die finish lines can be seen on the obverse, in contradistinction to the related portraits of 1876. Apparently, William Barber spent some time finessing the present die.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 14, 1971.
Second Variety of the 1877 Pattern Dollar
P-1716, Copper
Classic Rarity
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1274 1877 pattern dollar. P-1716, J-1543. Rarity-7+. Coronet Liberty Head. Proof-64 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse depicts another portrait of Miss Liberty, quite different from any of the foregoing. The word LIBERTY appears compactly arranged in serif letters on the diadem, with a border of dots and dashes above, with the leftmost dot being isolated from the others and appearing as an island in the field. Behind Miss Liberty's neck are flowing tresses downward to below the truncation, a touch not seen on dollars of 1876. Her neck is quite prominent. Around the border are 13 small six-pointed stars interrupted by the motto in small letters, IN GOD WE TRUST. The date 1877 is below, with the last two digits appearing to be slightly lower than they should be. As on most (but not all) coins of 1877, the 7 digits have "sculpted" tops and are quite elegant.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A splendid specimen with rich reddish brown surfaces, evenly blended, with a beautiful appearance.
Narrative: This is the second in an illustrious, indeed dazzling offering of all three of the different varieties of pattern dollars known of 1877. Again, the rarity is formidable, the fame is wide ranging, the quality is superb, and the opportunity is remarkable.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 371.6 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From Abner Kreisberg's "Quality" Sales Corp, November 30, 1970, Lot 1308.
Amazing 1877 Pattern Silver Dollar
Third of Three Varieties
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1275 1877 pattern dollar. P-1717, J-1544. Rarity-6+. Coronet Liberty Head. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse is a variation of the preceding, quite similar, except that the top line of the coronet is plain rather than beaded. The date logotype is higher in the field, and a few other differences, mostly minor, are seen.
Reverse Design: As preceding, and as used on all three varieties of this year.
Surfaces: The surfaces are splendid gem quality, mint red blended with iridescent blue, all against deeply mirrored fields. An aesthetic treat.
Narrative: This superb gem concludes this remarkable, indeed historic, offering of the three pattern dollar varieties of 1877. Not only will the pedigree of the Bass Collection add desirability, but the earlier pedigree to T. Harrison Garrett and Dr. Edward Maris assigns to it some of the most famous early names in numismatics. Most probably, Maris, who lived in Philadelphia and who was a close confidante of J.W. Haseltine, purchased it either from Haseltine or from an officer at the Mint.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 370.0 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From our sale of the Garrett Collection, Part II, March 26, 1980, Lot 1049. Previously from the Dr. Edward Maris Collection.
1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar
P-1724, Copper
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1276 1878 pattern dollar. P-1724, J-1551. Rarity-7. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Similar to the adopted design for the Morgan silver dollar, except with very slight positional differences. On the present coin the tail of R (PLURIBUS) touches the top of the wheat ear, and the point of the neck is centered between the first digit of the date and the first star.
Reverse Design: Very similar to the adopted design, except there are no notches in the bottoms of the wings and the olive branch has a single cluster of three leaves. The reverse is quite similar to George T. Morgan's adopted design, except there are no notches in the bottom of the wings, and the olive branch has a single cluster of three leaves. In his Encyclopedia, Walter Breen called this and related dies prototypes, for the Morgan dollar, a term which seems to be appropriate.
Surfaces: A splendid gem, mostly mint red, with delicate touches of iridescent blue and magenta, a lovely coin to behold. Indeed, it would be difficult to imagine one of greater beauty!
Narrative: The present coin represents a deluxe entry into the varied world of pattern dollars bearing the date 1878.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 402.7 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Historical Notes: This and the next several are from the hand of George T. Morgan and are of special interest and importance to collectors of the regular Morgan dollar series 1878-1921.
Silver dollars had been produced for circulation continuously from 1840 through 1873, these being of the Liberty Seated design. With the rise of silver bullion prices on the international market beginning circa 1850, the denomination started to disappear from circulation, and by 1853 scarcely a coin was to be seen. The same scenario is true of other silver issues from the half dime through the half dollar. However, for these latter denominations Congress solved the circulation problem by reducing the authorized weight under the Act of February 21, 1853. Thus, half dimes, dimes, quarter dollars, and half dollars minted after that time were of lighter weight and were not profitable to melt down. In contrast, the melting of an earlier-dated Liberty Seated dollar struck from 1840 through the early 1850s would yield a few cents over face value in terms of bullion.
At the time there was a strong demand for silver coins to export to China, particularly the port of Canton. Gold coins were not in favor there, and paper money did not trade at all. The coin of choice was the Mexican eight reales. The Liberty Seated dollar was slightly lighter in weight than the Mexican coin, but still the pieces found ready use in China, at a slight discount from their Mexican counterpart. In view of the need for such pieces in the China trade, Congress did not reduce the authorized weight of the dollar on February 21, 1853, as such coins would have been rejected by the Chinese compradores. Thus, the dollar was allowed to float free in terms of value. After that time, continuing through early 1873, freshly minted Liberty Seated silver dollars contained more silver than their face value indicated. There was no problem, as the pieces traded on a bullion basis anyway; none were to be seen in circulation in the United States.
In 1873 the trade dollar, of slightly heavier weight (420 grains for the trade dollar, as compared to 412.5 grains for the Liberty Seated dollar) was produced for the first time, to provide a coin specifically for the China trade, and one which was now worth slightly more than the Mexican eight reales. These pieces were met with great enthusiasm by Chinese merchants, and the production of trade dollars was a resounding success for the purpose intended. The government did not mint trade dollars on speculation, but, instead, such denominations were specifically struck on request of bullion depositors who wanted them for export (although some did circulate domestically for a time).
Meanwhile, in the silver-producing state of Nevada, the economy was becoming difficult. Beginning in 1870, large quantities of silver came on the market from Europe, due to changes in coinage policies there which freed much bullion. The production of trade dollars for export, while taking some silver from the market, was not sufficient to support the economy of Nevada and keep thousands of people employed. Hard times were also felt in other silver-producing areas of the West.
In the best American tradition, politicians influenced by vested interests in the West proposed what still stands today as the biggest numismatic boondoggle of all time: the Bland-Allison Act passed February 28, 1878. This provided that Uncle Sam would enter the market for silver bullion and for the account of the federal government would purchase each year millions of ounces of the precious metal, (which was becoming not so precious) thus, hopefully, sustaining and improving the market.
In November 1877, Representative Richard Bland submitted for the second time his bill for the free and unlimited usage of silver, and again it passed the House of Representatives by a heavy margin, 163 to 34 (with 93 abstentions). This may have been a warning sign to the Philadelphia Mint, but if so, it does not seem that pattern silver dollars were prepared. Those several patterns dated 1877 were probably done for numismatic purposes, and in very small quantities. Thus, in effect in early 1878, the Mint was faced with a big rush to create a new silver dollar design. Seeking to save time and effort, those in charge reviewed the illustrious suite of pattern coins that had been made in the previous year, 1877, and selected a Liberty Head motif and perched eagle half dollar produced by young George T. Morgan, an English immigrant who had signed on at the Mint in 1876. The half dollar design was enlarged, fitted with new inscriptions, and eventually became the Morgan silver dollar as we know it-as replicated on several hundred million coins from the first year of issue, 1878, until the last, 1921.
Meanwhile, in 1878, there were some growing pains, and in March of that year several varieties of patterns were struck, including the piece offered here. These and others differ in slight details from the adopted version.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Morgan Pattern Dollar in Silver
Liberty Head Style, P-1727
Only Two Traced
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1277 1878 pattern dollar. P-1727, J-1550. Rarity-8. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-65 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse is of the familiar Morgan design, and is somewhat similar to the preceding, except with some small differences-notably, while the point of the neck truncation is centered between the first numeral of the date and the first star, on the present die the wheat ear in Miss Liberty's cap is distant from the R (PLURIBUS).
Reverse Design: Identical to the preceding.
Surfaces: Delicate heather and gold toning with a few splashes of iridescence, against deep mirror fields. An elegant coin, a superb gem.
Narrative: Andrew Pollock traces the existence of just two pieces, the specimen offered here which is from our sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1980, and a piece we offered from the George Hatie Collection in 1983. Not only is it desirable from the aspect of being a pattern coin, but as a prototype of the Morgan dollar (reiterating the Breen nomenclature), it plays to an especially wide audience of potential bidders-specialists in the regular Morgan dollar series 1878-1921.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 412.2 grains. Diameter: 38.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
From our sale of the Garrett Collection, Part II, March 26, 1980, Lot 1050.
Extremely Rare 1878 Pattern Dollar
First Adopted Dollar Design
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1278 1878 pattern dollar. P-1729, J-1552. Rarity-8. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Identical die used to strike the preceding; if there are "smaller obverse dentils and other minor differences," which Andrew Pollock reports, they are not evident to the cataloguer of the present coin.
Reverse Design: The reverse is more similar to the regular issue than the preceding, and has nine leaves at the left of the olive branch, but the branch displays five berries (with a possible trace of a sixth) instead of the one used on the final die. The first A (AMERICA) is distant from the eagle's wing, in comparison to the preceding, and the initial of the engraver, M, is not on the wreath ribbon, in contrast to regular issues in which it is present. Thus, the differences are subtle, but important.
Surfaces: Delicate splashes of brown, gold, and iridescent toning are seen over deeply mirrored surfaces. A superb coin in every regard.
Narrative: The rarity of this coin is incredible, with just three traced by Andrew Pollock, one of those being in the Western Heritage Museum in Omaha (Byron Reed Collection). Possibly of importance to intending bidders, this identical variety is listed in Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins as Breen-5499, no doubt accelerating an already strong demand. For the Morgan dollar specialist this represents an exceedingly important opportunity.
Adams and Woodin observed the following about this variety: "Undoubtedly the above piece [this variety] represents the very first design of the Standard Dollar showing nine leaves in the olive branch. Apparently, when it was decided to abandon the olive branch with three leaves, the above design was produced, for the envelope which contained the piece stated that it was 'one of three struck for Director to decide whether the design was all right.' "
Technical Aspects: Weight: 411.3 grains. Diameter: 38.1 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 476.
Incredible 1878 P-1732 Pattern Dollar
Morgan Obverse, Variant Reverse
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1279 1878 pattern dollar. P-1732, J-1565. Rarity-7. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-65 RD (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse design is of the Morgan type, somewhat similar to the adopted style, and seemingly from the same die (cf. Pollock) used to strike P-1725 and 1726. Unlike the obverse dies described earlier, on the present piece the neck point is much closer to the first star than to the first digit in the date. The wheat ear is far from the R (PLURIBUS). The dentils are long and heavy, quite unlike the dies earlier described. The initial M (for Morgan) is raised (sharply different from the incuse style on the preceding dies and also on the standard issues). Obviously, this was a very special die.
Reverse Design: The reverse is a pattern style quite different from the adopted Morgan dollar or any other adopted federal issue. A large eagle with drooped wings faces the viewer, and grasps an olive branch (with three leaves) and cluster of arrows. Around the border is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and in smaller letters below, ONE DOLLAR. Above the eagle is e pluribus unum in lower case Old English letters. Stars are to the left and right.
Narrative: It may be the case that this pattern, employing a curiously distinctive obverse with a reverse of an entirely different design, was not made during the hurry-up period of early March 1878 but, instead, was created in leisure later in the year. From the die differences just described, plus the simply incredible beauty and high quality, the piece derives a special desirability. Needless to say, it will be as appreciated by the next owner as it was by Harry Bass during his lifetime.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 342.2 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 3, 1971.
Barber's 1878 Liberty Head Pattern $1
P-1733, Silver
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1280 1878 pattern dollar. P-1733, J-1554. Rarity-6. Barber's Liberty Head. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Liberty Head by William Barber, as inspired by his 1877 pattern $50. Head of Liberty facing left with motto above, date below, and with 13 stars at the border arranged seven left and six right. On the present die the N (IN) is close to the point of Liberty's coronet. There are five beads above Y (LIBERTY) and the letter is tilted to the left and repunched. Other differences could be described.
Reverse Design: An erect eagle with spread wings holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left. The upright of b in pluribus is centered under the tip of the right foot of the second T (STATES). The m in unum is slightly to the left of center of the M (AMERICA).
Surfaces: Brilliant with delicate champagne toning overall, a visual treat.
Narrative: Superb quality, far nicer than the typical pattern seen for this year. Rare thus.
This variety inaugurates the second generation or general style of pattern dollars dated 1878, those created by William Barber.
The presently offered coin, while rare, has been designated as Rarity-6 by Pollock, and is certainly more available on the market than anything that Morgan ever did. Perhaps Barber, who was, after all, in charge at the Mint, saw to it that more of his coins were struck-perhaps so they could be passed among congressmen and others. In any event, several dozen different pieces are believed to exist. However, few can match the present coin in terms of quality.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 412.0 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Although the facts are not known, it could well be that Chief Engraver Barber hoped that his own design would be used on what had become the largest circulating silver coin of the realm, the successor to the trade dollar (which was minted only in early 1878). After all, Morgan was still a relative newcomer at the Mint, and no love was lost between the two. In fact, for a time Barber made conditions somewhat uncomfortable for the immigrant Morgan, to the extent that certain work had to be done outside of the Mint as there wasn't "room" in the Engraving Department!
A comparison of the art of the two engravers might be instructive, as their efforts paralleled each other in several different coinage venues, most notably in the 1879 and 1880 Coiled Hair and Flowing Hair $4 gold coins. Probably most observers today would award the laurels for aesthetics to Morgan, although each engraver had his artistic successes and lack thereof, with Barber's earlier 1872 Amazonian obverse being a success by any standard.
Apparently Barber's 1878-dated pattern dollars of the regular silver dollar format were produced only for a short time. However, his art is seen later on the metric issues of different diameter.
From Abner Kreisberg's "Quality" Sales Corp, November 30, 1970, Lot 1310.
Extremely Rare 1878 Liberty Head Dollar
P-1734, Copper
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1281 1878 pattern dollar. P-1734, J-1555. Rarity-7. Barber's Liberty Head. Proof-65 RD (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Barber's Liberty Head, identical die to preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Lovely surface, mostly mint red with attractive delicate toning.
Narrative: A splendid gem that is sure to delight the specialist and connoisseur.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 341.5 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, July 28, 1972.
Barber P-1741 Pattern Dollar
Liberty Head, Silver
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1282 1878 pattern dollar. P-1741, J-1554. Rarity-6. Barber's Liberty Head. Proof-64 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: William Barber's Liberty Head, but from a different die, now with a position of the coronet tip farther to the right of N (IN), only three beads above Y (LIBERTY) and with the letter Y not repunched.
Reverse Design: Similar to preceding, however, on the present die the b (pluribus) is centered between T and E (STATES), and the right side of the m (unum) protrudes below the right side of the capital M (AMERICA).
Surfaces: Delicate champagne and light brown toning over deeply mirrored surfaces. A splendid specimen of gem quality, an elegant pattern.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 412.8 grains. Diameter: 38.1 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Different obverse die (unlisted).
Purchased from Harmer, Rooke, December 1, 1970.
A Splendid 1878 Goloid Pattern Dollar
Focal Point of a Political Issue
Exceedingly Rare
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1283 1878 pattern dollar. P-1752, J-1560. Rarity-8. Liberty Head. Proof-64 (PCGS). Goloid. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The head of Miss Liberty faces left, as designed by Chief Engraver William Barber. She wears a cap with a wide band inscribed LIBERTY. The top of the band is ornamented with ears of wheat, cotton leaves, and cotton bolls. The motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, is above and the date, 1878, is below with 13 stars arranged seven left and six right. Liberty's hair curls flow behind her neck with a ribbon trailing from the cap.
Reverse Design: A circle of laurel and berries encloses the inscription, in five lines, GOLOID. / 1 - G. / 24 - S. / .9 FINE / 258 GRS. The legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, is around with the denomination, ONE DOLLAR, below. The abbreviation "GRS." was used to indicate grains. Obviously, a problem arose on certain later coins made in goloid metric alloy, which were expressed in grams, which, logically, could also have been abbreviated "GRS." However, the word was spelled out in full, GRAMS. Certainly the situation must have been confusing to congressman who viewed such pieces at the time, and perhaps no less confusing to numismatists today. If this is a bit perplexing, perhaps you should not read the note below. The situation is indeed complex, but it was a focal point of certain political feelings of the era.
Surfaces: Brilliant surfaces. Deep mirror fields. A lovely specimen of an issue which, when seen, is apt to be in significantly lower grades. Indeed, this is high in quality among the several known.
Narrative: The rarity of this issue is remarkable. Dr. J. Hewitt Judd, 1959, stated that only four were known, and years later when Andrew W. Pollock did the research for his book, he tracked down only two, including the piece offered here. The intention of such patterns was to make them in significant quantities and pass them around in the halls of Congress. However, if this was done, nearly all have disappeared. More likely, only a few congressmen ever saw such pieces, perhaps members of a small committee in charge of coinage.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 257.3 grains. Diameter: 32.9 mm (this diameter being significantly smaller than regular silver dollars of the era). Die alignment: 180°.
Some historical notes may be of interest: The story of the "goloid" dollars is quite interesting and involves the production of several fascinating pattern coins, none of which ever made it past the "thinking" stage.
The scene is the late 1870s when passions ran high in political circles and in the public press regarding the desirability of silver vs. gold. "Silverites," who hailed from Nevada and related places, eagerly sought expanded markets for their metal, which continued to drop in value throughout the decade. "Gold Bugs" (as we call them today, from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Gold Bug" tale) were not as organized as Silverites, but still had a lot of clout. A third classification, not discussed here, was the "Greenbacker" element which just loved Uncle Sam's paper money, believing its expanded use would lift the economy.
Into this fray came Dr. William Wheeler Hubbell, whose brainchild was goloid, an alloy containing silver and gold metal in the value ratio 16 to 1 alloyed with 10% copper by weight (to add strength). For a long time, it was considered fact that one unit of gold in the market was worth 16 units of silver, although in practice there were significant differences from time to time (some of this is discussed by the present editor, QDB, in the new book, The Treasure Ship S.S. Brother Jonathan, under the category of coinage of the 1850s). Years later in 1896, when the "silver question" dominated the presidential election (William Jennings Bryan vs. William McKinley), the term "16 to 1" was used on various tokens and medals.
Dr. Hubbell's goloid alloy, a "dream metal" that would surely please just about everyone (except Greenbackers), was patented on May 22, 1877. In 1878, and continuing through 1880, goloid was employed to strike numerous pattern dollars. Goloid coins were to be struck with weights and proportions on the metric system (another rallying cry of the era, but not specifically related to alloys). In its ideal form, a coin made of goloid would have 50¢ worth of silver and 50¢ worth of gold (the copper alloy not being valued).
But, that was not all. A variation of the alloy, with the silver-gold ratio of 24 to 1 was also created and known as goloid metric alloy, hence the term goloid metric dollar as applied to the presently offered Bass Collection coin.
Regular goloid coins had their weights expressed in grains (English system), while goloid metric coins had their weights in the decimal or metric system.
On December 29, 1877, Alexander H. Stephens, chairman of the Coinage Committee in the House of Representatives, requested Mint Director Henry R. Linderman to supply some pattern pieces struck in goloid metal for the use of the committee. These goloid patterns are dated 1878.
Dreams notwithstanding, reality intervened, and Mint Director Dr. Richard Henry Linderman (a true numismatic rascal whose personal credo may have been, "What's in it for me?") pointed out that the goloid metric alloy looked just like silver, was indistinguishable from the standard silver alloy, and that if one grain of gold were replaced by one of silver, the intrinsic value would drop to just 81¢, and if the gold were omitted entirely, the value would be reduced to 60¢-with no one except a metallurgist being able to tell the difference. After considerable experimentation, the idea of goloid and a metric coinage was dropped, but not before several varieties of numismatic delicacies were produced, including coins with goloid inscriptions or goloid metric inscriptions, but struck in copper or regular silver alloy (with no gold at all).
Pedigree commentary: What a marvelous pedigree this coin possesses! Snowden was Archibald Loudon Snowden, a Mint officer and for a time the director, who seemingly had few clues about numismatics (see later comment under our offering of P-1960). However, following the practice of other Mint officers at the time, no doubt he reserved for his private use many interesting patterns produced during this, the most convoluted decade in American pattern coinage history. The pedigree then goes to William H. Woodin, who with Edgar H. Adams produced the first large text on pattern coins in 1913. Contrary to general knowledge, Woodin was the author, while Adams was the photographer. Both men had immense talents and loomed large in the numismatic hobby at the time. Woodin was among the first to seriously study United States gold coins by varieties, at one time he owned the unique 1870-S $3 (now preserved by the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation), he was the first American numismatist to write extensively on the subject of rare coins as an excellent investment, etc. And, in 1933 he served as Secretary of the Treasury under Franklin D. Roosevelt. Unfortunately for all concerned, Woodin was ill during nearly all of his term, which lasted less than a year, with his death coming before he had a chance to recover or accomplish much.
No doubt, had Woodin lived the Treasury go-round involving the fictitious claim that 1933 $20 pieces cannot be legally held, or all of the nasty "stuff" about Gold Certificates, etc., which have annoyed numismatists for decades, would not have happened.
Moving ahead on the pedigree, F.C.C. Boyd was next in line. Boyd (1874-1958) is remembered as one of the great figures in our hobby. Indeed, in 1978 he was enshrined in the American Numismatic Association Hall of Fame (and will probably be mentioned by name at a special recognition ceremony scheduled for July 10 of this year at ANA Headquarters in Colorado Springs). Born in New York City in 1874, Boyd seems to have emerged on the numismatic scene at a relatively late time; that is, we have no record of his being a "young numismatist," per the term we use today. On September 17, 1913, he conducted a mail bid sale of 916 lots, with many desirable pieces, showing that he had been at the game for at least a year or two or three. The editor of The Numismatist commented, "We wish Mr. Boyd great success in his undertaking in the numismatic field," seemingly indicating that Boyd's name had not been recognized earlier. In the 1920s Boyd was one of the most active dealers on the American scene. However, by the 1930s his activities as a department manager for the Union News Company probably took precedence, and although he was active, he seems to have been more a collector than a dealer. In 1936 he purchased a set of 1933-dated gold coins consisting of two $10 pieces and the rare $20, the seller being his good friend James G. Macallister. Probably by the late 1930s, and certainly the early 1940s, Boyd transferred his main interest from federal coinage to tokens, medals, and paper money, acquiring a truly memorable collection. In 1944, Boyd consigned many pieces to The Numismatic Gallery (Abe Kosoff and Abner Kreisberg), his federal silver coins being sold as "The World's Greatest Collection" in a series of 1945 offerings, and his gold coins in 1946 under the same title. Subsequently he became a close friend to John J. Ford, Jr., and during the 1960s many of his properties were acquired by Ford. Boyd passed away on September 7, 1958, leaving many to mourn him.
F.C.C. Boyd's pattern collection was purchased en bloc by the Numismatic Gallery (Abe Kosoff and Abner Kreisberg) and sold directly to their best customer, King Farouk of Egypt. Concerning Farouk, much could be written, and it is tempting to do so now. However, we will just say that the heir to the Egyptian throne became a playboy, and as king in the decade of the 1940s he dissipated not only himself personally, but much of the Royal Treasury of Egypt. Among his collecting passions were jewelry, pornography, rare stamps, and rare coins-this being but a short list. Quite a bit about Farouk is given in Q. David Bowers' book, Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics, published in 1985 (and available from our Publications Department). Farouk was forced into exile in 1952, and early in 1954 Sotheby's, of London, conducted an auction of his collections on site at the Koubbeh Palace in Cairo. A contingent of Americans attended in person, with the roster including many names that are known today and, in fact, are mentioned elsewhere in the present catalogue: Abe Kosoff, Sol Kaplan, Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb, Hans M.F. Schulman, John Jay Pittman, James P. Randall (once very prominent in the field of patterns, but largely forgotten since that time), Robert Schermerhorn (the Texas dealer who was the source of many of the formidable currency rarities in the present sale), Paul Wittlin, Gaston DiBello, and Maurice Storck.
Later, the coin offered here appeared in Lester Merkin's sale, February 13, 1971. Lester was a highly respected gentleman during the prime years of his activity as a rare coin dealer and auctioneer, and many nice things were said about them. His reputation lives on.
A coin is a coin is a coin, but often the pedigree of a coin can add an aura that makes it even more-giving it a personality that enhances its pride of ownership, as we commented earlier in the dissertation relating to Ed. Frossard.
From Lester Merkin's sale of February 13, 1971, Lot 919. Previously from Snowden, William H. Woodin, Waldo C. Newcomer, F.C.C. Boyd, King Farouk (Palace Collection, 1954). Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 483.
Splendid and Rare Goloid Pattern $1
P-1753 in Copper
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1284 1878 pattern dollar. P-1753, J-1562. Rarity-7. Liberty Head. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A very attractive coin with iridescent blue and mint red on deep mirror surfaces. A showpiece.
Narrative: A very interesting, and quite rare impression of the dies described under the preceding lot. Of course, there was no reason to strike a goloid coin in bronze, but this is what was done-apparently in more significant numbers. Andrew Pollock listed about a dozen auction appearances known to him, some of which may have represented duplicate citations of the same coin. Most probably, somewhere between 10 and 15 exist today, recalling that sometimes coins exist but do not come to market in auction catalogues or other publications.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 221.3 grains. Diameter: 32.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Historical 1878 Goloid Metric $1
P-1754
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1285 1878 pattern dollar. P-1754, J-1563. Rarity-7. Liberty Head. Proof-63 (PCGS). Goloid metric alloy. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: William Barber's representation of Miss Liberty, as employed on the die used to strike the two preceding pieces.
Reverse Design: A new reverse with new inscriptions relating to a different alloy than the preceding: a circle of 38 stars encloses the inscription, in six lines, GOLOID. / METRIC. / 1 - G. / 16.1 - S. / 1.9 - C. / GRAMS 14.25. The legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, is around with the denomination, 100 CENTS, below.
Surfaces: Brilliant and mirrorlike on the obverse, brilliant and slightly cloudy on the reverse. A few areas of delicate toning are seen on both sides.
Narrative: This is a very historical issue, representing the goloid metric alloy of this issue. The question arises as to whether this or any other piece attributed as P-1754 is actually struck in goloid metric alloy or in standard silver alloy (P-1755), and the answer may be that given by Don Taxay in Scott's Comprehensive Catalogue, 1971: "Officially restruck the following year. Weights varying generally from 211 to 216 grains, and seen as high as 221 grains… Restrikes have flat centers, with striations from die polishing." The Bass Collection coin has no such striation. Regarding weights, these are apt to vary, no matter what the alloy is.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 219.8 grains. Diameter: 32.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The Bass Collection has the obverse and reverse die oriented 180° apart, as noted; apparently this is unusual among various specimens, for Andrew Pollock undoubtedly refers to this coin in his text, stating in a listing that includes multiple citations, "One examined has a die alignment of 180°."
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Superb Gem 1879 "Washlady" Dollar
P-1799, Copper
Classic Miss Liberty Motif
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1286 1879 pattern dollar. P-1799, J-1604. Rarity-7. "Washlady" motif. Proof-67 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Charles Barber's well known but misnamed "Washlady" obverse. The Head of Miss Liberty is shown facing to the left, wearing a hairband inscribed LIBERTY. Her hair is tied up behind her head and the hairband is ornamented with wheat ears, cotton leaves, and cotton bolls. The legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, is around with the date, 1879, below. Saul Teichman, well-known researcher in the pattern field (and a gentleman who has been of great help to us in many instances, including the present catalogue) traces the "Washlady" nomenclature back to the New York Coin & Stamp Company's sale of the Francis Worcester Doughty Collection, April 1891. (Doughty, by the way, was very famous not only in numismatics-although Dr. Sheldon made some unkind remarks about him-but in the big wide world, where he wrote adventure fiction and, during the general era 1905-1915, movie scripts including an unsuccessful redo of The Twenty Million Dollar Mystery.) Upon actual inspection, Miss Liberty is very elegantly coiffed, and it would be just as appropriate to designate this as Barber's "Society Lady" obverse. Perhaps, 108 years after it was first used, a new description is called for!
Reverse Design: An erect eagle with wings spread, holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left. Above and around the eagle is the motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM. The legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, is above the motto with the denomination, ONE DOLLAR, below. This reverse may have been cut by Charles Barber's father, chief engraver William Barber, or at least the elder Barber inspired it. The overall motif is quite attractive.
Surfaces: A breathtakingly beautiful gem, a coin of dazzling appearance. Mint red and iridescent blue delicately blend over deep mirror surfaces. The coin is an absolute visual delight!
Narrative: The combination of obverse and reverse designs on this coin is stunning, and although the "Society Lady" pattern dollar has never achieved the fame of the 1879 "Schoolgirl," it certainly ranks high in any listing, and can be numbered among the top half dozen favorite motifs of this denomination. The reverse is nicely styled as well, in combination yielding a very beautiful coin. When the condition of the present piece is added, the result is a winner.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 365.4 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Barber's Pattern Liberty Head $1
P-1801 in Silver
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1287 1879 pattern dollar. P-1801, J-1605. Rarity-6+. Liberty Head. Proof-66 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Head of Miss Liberty by Charles Barber, according to conventional wisdom. The face bears a resemblance to that on the "Society Lady" obverse (or, if you must, "Washlady" obverse), but her hair is styled differently, done up in a bun, but retaining some decorations that only our national emblem would have, including a diadem inscribed LIBERTY and some grains of wheat.
Reverse Design: A perched eagle is shown within an open wreath, the eagle being rather compact and executed in a shallow-relief manner. The tail of the bird seems to be a bit truncated, at least in comparison to the rounded form used on standard dollars of the era, and while the olive branch is quite large and exhibits six large leaves, someone must have nipped its tip, nothing is seen of it after it goes behind the eagle's wing. The arrows also disappear behind the wing, with the result that no arrowheads are seen-giving them the appearance of pick-up sticks. Above the national bird is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM in small letters, while below a delicate wreath encircles much of the central motif. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ONE DOLLAR, in different size letters, appear at the borders. The entire arrangement seems to be anything but artistic, especially compared to what competitor Morgan was doing at the time.
Surfaces: Brilliant on obverse and reverse, with a nuance of very delicate champagne toning. A splendid coin which must rank as one of the very finest known. Indeed, even in theory it would be difficult to envision a more beautiful specimen.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 412.7 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: On the reverse the E (UNITED) is double punched at its upper right and the nearby D is double punched at its upper left. The alignment of the letters is somewhat haphazard, and in STATES the letters ST are close together, the A is distant and a bit lower, etc.; the E in E PLURIBUS UNUM is too high. If this die was done by old William Barber then he was not paying attention. If it was done by young Charles Barber, perhaps he was just learning.
From Stack's sale of the DiBello Collection, May 14, 1970, Lot 431.
Barber's 1879 Liberty Head Pattern $1
P-1802, Copper
1288 1879 pattern dollar. P-1802, J-1606. Rarity-6+. Liberty Head. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Mostly mint red, accented by hints of magenta and blue. A splendid coin.
Narrative: A copper striking of the preceding, and seemingly a bit more elusive than its silver counterpart. A very desirable coin that will occupy an honored place in any advanced collection of pattern issues.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 364.6 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Famous and Elegant 1879 "Schoolgirl" Dollar
Morgan's "Petition Dollar"
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1289 1879 pattern dollar. P-1805, J-1609. Rarity-7. Schoolgirl motif. Proof-64 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: George T. Morgan's popular and elegant "Schoolgirl" motif, a numismatic favorite from Day One. Miss Liberty, shown as a young girl, faces to the left, with her hair combed back, flowing curls behind and over her neck. A small band crosses her head and is inscribed LIBERTY. A string of pearls is around her neck.
Reverse Design: On the reverse a defiant eagle faces left and stands on a scroll inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST. Behind the scroll are three arrows and an olive branch. The legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, is above with the denomination, ONE DOLLAR, below. As noted below, this motif was borrowed from Morgan's own work two years earlier in 1877.
Surfaces: Splendid surfaces with reddish brown higher areas, generally blending to electric blue and magenta in the fields, with some splashes of gold, particularly around the borders. The entire ensemble is very beautiful, and it ranks as one of the finest known of the issue.
Narrative: For many years the "Schoolgirl" dollar by George T. Morgan has been considered one of the most desirable coins in the entire pattern series. The charming young girl depicted on the obverse, combined with a classic depiction of a defiant eagle on the reverse, creates a motif of rare beauty. One cannot help but contemplate what it might have been like if the regular Morgan silver dollar, minted for circulation beginning in 1878, had been replaced in 1879 by the presently offered pattern motif.
Technical Aspects: Weight:412.6 grains. Diameter: 38.1 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
The genesis of the "Schoolgirl" dollar dates to the year previous, when in February and March 1878, George T. Morgan's Liberty Head dollar (today's "Morgan dollar") design was rushed into production following the February 28 passage of the aforementioned Bland-Allison Act. The obverse and reverse designs employed were taken from the memorable series of pattern half dollars that Morgan had prepared in the preceding year, 1877.
As time went on, it was felt that the design could be improved, and toward this end several varieties of patterns were made during the next several years. The production of a new Liberty Head design by Chief Engraver William Barber-a motif adapted from Barber's head on the 1877 $50-is discussed under our offering of Barber's 1878 patterns. These 1878 Barber issues seem to have been distributed fairly widely, at least in comparison to the restricted production of Morgan's patterns. As William Barber was jealous of Morgan, he did not make life easy for the young immigrant engraver who, indeed, had been brought from England as management felt that current artistry was not up to par. Not simplifying the situation is the presence of up-and-coming Charles Barber, William's son, who in this same year (1879) would become chief engraver after the death of his father. By the most generous description, Charles possessed but modest talents in 1879.
In 1879, under circumstances not recorded, the 1879 "Schoolgirl" dollar pattern was created by Morgan. Perhaps he responded to continuing discussions that his adopted 1878 motif needed to be improved, and no doubt he saw Barber's patterns of the same year. Morgan's entry into this unofficial competition seemingly eclipsed in beauty anything else produced in pattern form in 1878 or 1879. Perhaps this was Morgan's "petition dollar"-a la Thomas Simon's famous "petition crown" of Charles II, whereby Morgan demonstrated his talent in the hopes of securing the chief engravership. This idea is a poignant one, and we've brashly included it in the headline in the present offering.
The obverse design of the "Schoolgirl" dollar was completely new-not adapted from anything else that Morgan is known to have done. Depicted is a winsome and very pretty young lass wearing a hair ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, with her hair loosely tied with a ribbon behind her head and with strands falling on her shoulders. A string of beads is around her neck.
To create the reverse, Morgan borrowed from his own repertoire and adapted the perched eagle ("Defiant Eagle") from a die he had created two years earlier in connection with pattern half dollars of 1877 (Pollock-1670, P-1676, et seq.). In turn, Morgan's 1877 ouevre seems to have been inspired by a motif submitted to Christian Gobrecht in 1836 by artist Titian Peale (illustrated by Don Taxay in U.S. Mint and Coinage, p. 173, which suggests that Morgan went far beyond Peale; the student improved the master's work significantly).
That the Defiant Eagle was liked by Morgan is further reflected years later when for the 1915-S Panama-Pacific International Exposition commemorative gold $2.50, the engraver brought the motif out of storage and employed it for the first time on a legal tender coin made in quantity (more or less, but certainly in larger numbers than any earlier pattern).
In 1879, only a few of Morgan's delightful "Schoolgirl" pattern dollars were made, in copper and in silver. Today, just a dozen or two examples are known to exist. In his work on patterns, Andrew W. Pollock delineated only five auction citations of P-1805 (and slightly over a dozen of the silver version, P-1804) that were known to him, with the possibility that at least a few were duplicate listings of the same specimen.
The beautiful, indeed elegant specimen offered from the Harry Bass, Jr. Collection is at once a rarity and a prime example of numismatic art.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Superb Gem 1879 Pattern Morgan $1
P-1807, Silver
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1290 1879 pattern dollar. P-1807, J-1611. Rarity-6+. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-66 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted style used for business strikes, the general motif of 1878-1921, by George T. Morgan (this in turn adopted from a Morgan pattern half dollar of 1877).
Reverse Design: A very large eagle with wings spread, its head turned toward the viewer's left, holds an olive branch and arrows. Around the border, in similarly sized letters (in contradistinction to certain variant letter sizes used on an earlier-described Barber pattern of the same date) is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ONE DOLLAR. The artistry of Morgan is evident throughout.
Surfaces: Magnificent light iridescent toning forms a halo around the coin, displaying sea green and electric blue at the rims, changing to delicate magenta and gold toward the center. A visual and artistic delight! It would be difficult to envision an equal coin, much less a nicer one.
Narrative: Displaying as it does a beautifully cut reverse pattern die by Morgan, in combination with the standard obverse, the present coin should have wide appeal to collectors of regular Morgan dollars 1878-1921 as well as to pattern specialists. The variety is quite rare, and probably no more than a dozen can be traced.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 388.0 grains. Diameter: 37.8 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Morgan's Pattern Dollar in Copper
P-1808, Copper
1291 1879 pattern dollar. P-1808, J-1612. Rarity-6. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-65 RD (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: Mostly brilliant mint red, and beautifully so. A few hints of natural toning are shown here and there. A lovely coin which must rank among the very finest of its kind, if not the finest.
Narrative: This is the copper version of the preceding. The rarity is probably about the same; perhaps a dozen different can be traced. However, most of these are in significantly lower grades. The present coin is outstanding.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 368.0 grains. Diameter: 38.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Morgan Pattern Dollar of 1879
P-1809, Variant Reverse
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1292 1879 pattern dollar. P-1809, J-1613. Rarity-6. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-67 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Morgan's regular-issue design as used 1878-1921.
Reverse Design: Somewhat similar to the preceding, but with (perish the thought!) the denomination ONE DOLLAR at the lower part of the reverse in smaller letters than UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the top border. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST has been added in a widely spaced letter arrangement above the eagle, apparently obligatorily so, for it certainly does not appear artistic and, in fact, is difficult to read. No doubt someone surveyed the earlier design (J-1807) and noted that IN GOD WE TRUST was not there.
Surfaces: Another gem specimen from an offering in which gems seem to be the rule, hardly the exception. The present coin displays delicate champagne toning over deeply mirrored fields and must rank as virtually unimprovable. A visual and aesthetic delight.
Narrative: A splendid specimen of yet another variation among the fascinating pattern dollars of this era.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 412.4 grains. Diameter: 38.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
In cataloguing these pieces we came to realize once again-as we have in describing illustrious pattern holdings in previous years-that there are many notations that could be made concerning interrelationship of designs, historical commentaries, etc., in the pattern series. Just as Andrew W. Pollock III's book was a giant step forward from what Dr. Judd did, and Judd was light years ahead of Adams and Woodin, perhaps as the years go by, a new generation of experts will produce a further text. In sharp distinction to the normal way of doing things in numismatic circles, the Adams and Woodin, Judd, and Pollock texts all treat patterns by years rather than by denominations. And yet, it has been our observation that most collectors prefer the denomination route. Thus, a collector of pattern dollars may not be interested in pattern cents at all, while a collector of pattern nickel five-cent pieces may not be the slightest bit interested in a pattern double eagle. As a suggestion, perhaps the next time around the patterns could be arranged in denomination sequence. While this will mean some duplication of historical information, artistic data, etc., it is not particularly different than the present practice among regular-issue federal coins in which Liberty Seated half dimes are listed under half dimes, Liberty Seated silver dollars are listed under silver dollars, etc. Just an idea…
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Dazzling Gem 1879 Pattern Dollar
P-1810, Copper
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1293 1879 pattern dollar. P-1810, J-1614. Rarity-6. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-66 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: As preceding.
Surfaces: A dazzling gem specimen with beautifully blended red and iridescent surfaces on the obverse. The reverse is primarily electric blue over rich brown. The artistic effect is simply stunning.
Narrative: This is the copper version of the preceding, and like the copper version, the present variety is seldom encountered.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 361.7 grains. Diameter: 37.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
Morgan Pattern Silver Dollar
P-1811, Silver
Another Variation on a Theme
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1294 1879 pattern dollar. P-1811, J-1615. Rarity-6+. Morgan's Liberty Head. Proof-66 (PCGS). Silver. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: As preceding.
Reverse Design: Another variation on a theme, presumably by George T. Morgan, as the arrangement of the peripheral inscriptions closely resembles that on Morgan's famous "Schoolgirl" dollar. At the center we see a perched eagle, with a somewhat shortened tail (a la a piece described earlier, attributed to Barber), with an olive branch behind the wing, but in this instance, emerging at the left side, rather than being truncated. Arrows also go behind the wing, but rather than looking like pickup sticks, they now have prominent heads. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is in a shallow curve above the head, clashing, visually speaking, with the curve of the letters above. This die certainly is not among Morgan's best work, but may have been turned out in a hurry, or there may be some other explanation. As can be intimated from the preceding comments relating to dollars of this era, there is quite a bit of research work yet to be done concerning the attribution of dies to various engravers (William Barber, Charles Barber, George Morgan), artistic styles, and more.
Surfaces: Brilliant with delicate golden toning. Another gem, another memorable coin that will be a showpiece in the finest collection.
Narrative: This represents yet another variation on Morgan's different themes, a particularly high-quality example of a coin which, when found, is usually in lesser grade. Perhaps a dozen different specimens are known.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 412.4 grains. Diameter: 38.1 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 3, 1971.
