Patterns - Lots 1332-1348
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part I
Patterns - Lots 1332-1348
1857 P-226 Pattern Quarter Eagle
Longacre's Liberty Head
High Date Variety
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1332 1857 pattern quarter eagle. P-226 gilt, J-189. Rarity-7+. Coronet Liberty Head. High Date. Proof-62. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The obverse depicts the portrait of Miss Liberty facing left, with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, virtually identical to that used on nickel three-cent pieces first made in 1865. At that later time Longacre did the easy thing and copied his 1857 die.
Reverse Design: An eagle with wings raised, having a shield on its breast. Three arrows and an olive branch are held by its claws. Around, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and below, the denomination 2 1/2 D.
Surfaces: Sharply struck with matte-like lustre created by the gilding process. Very minor pitting is noted on the highest points of the obverse.
Narrative: This is the high date variety with the digit 7 extremely close to Miss Liberty's hair curl. Based on notes by Andrew Pollock, this high-date variety appears to be much scarcer than the low date offered in the next lot. Interestingly, Pollock assigned different numbers to different die positions of most patterns he discovered or picked up from listings found after the Judd reference, but in this particular instance he used only a single number, P-226.
This is one of the more curious patterns of its era. The obverse is no doubt by James B. Longacre, for he is credited with using the same obverse years later on the 1865 three-cent piece. The reverse seems to be in the style of Anthony C. Paquet, but as noted elsewhere in this catalogue, it is dangerous to attribute unsigned dies to specific people at the Mint during this year, unless there is documentary evidence for substantiation. It is known that Paquet made letter punches and supplied them to the Mint, including in the year 1857, but it is also known that during the general decade 1857-1867, workmen from the outside sector were in the Engraving Department on a temporary basis, among these being P.F. Cross and William Key (in the outside world, Key had a very large business of making tokens and medals). Perhaps we should take a leaf from the guide book used by art dealers and collectors and say "In the style of Paquet."
Moreover, in the course of spending a lot of time a few years ago doing research on pattern cents of the late 1850s-which were prolific-little information was found concerning this die, although, indeed, it was used to strike cent patterns (P-222). This was reflected by the lack of counterpart patterns with the same motif in higher denominations such as $5, $10, or $20.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 38.3 grains. Diameter: 17.7 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The obverse date is slightly too high and nearly touches the curl. On the reverse the alignment and spacing of the letters in STATES is somewhat erratic.
Purchased from Lee Hewitt, April 17, 1972. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 88.
1857 P-226 Pattern Quarter Eagle
Longacre's Liberty Head
Low Date Variety
Discovered by Harry Bass
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1333 1857 pattern quarter eagle. P-226 gilt, J-189. Rarity-6+. Coronet Liberty Head. Low Date. Proof-62. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Liberty Head design as preceding, the style used years later for the nickel three-cent piece.
Reverse Design: The reverse design as preceding, in the style of Anthony C. Paquet, featuring a rather "surprised" appearing eagle-for want of a better description-with thin wings, holding the requisite olive branch and arrows. Inscriptions in letters of the Paquet style surround.
Surfaces: Brilliant, warm bright gold, a splendid coin.
Narrative: This is the low date variety with the digit 7 distant from Miss Liberty's hair curl. This variety was discovered by Harry Bass who, during the 1970s, spent quite a bit of time studying patterns carefully under high magnification. His quest for different variations in punctuation, date placement, etc., explains his acquisition of multiple examples of certain issues (a policy which comes to the fore later in the catalogue under our offering of examples of P-1759).
Both this lot and the preceding lot offer an opportunity to acquire a very curious pattern $2.50 of this era.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 37.9 grains. Diameter: 17.7 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: On the present coin the date is lower in the field, with the 7 being about equidistant between a dentil and the curl.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Obverse: Different die!
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 993. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 89.
1861 P-332 Pattern Quarter Eagle
Regular Dies in Silver
Struck on a Dime Planchet
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1334 1861 pattern quarter eagle. P-332, J-281. Rarity-8. Adopted type. Proof-63 (PCGS). Silver, struck on a dime planchet. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Sharply struck with brilliant, light silvery gray lustre. A lovely pattern quarter eagle, quite a curiosity, sure to delight the next owner.
Narrative: Struck on a dime planchet (per New Netherlands Coin Co.). The weight is exactly the same as that for dimes of the period and the diameter is 0.1 mm. larger than the standard for dimes. Just three examples are known, with two minor obverse die varieties (as described under Die Notes). The presently offered coin is just one of possibly two known from this die, the other being the Farouk coin (which hasn't been studied-and may not be from this die, but the possibility exists.
The creation of 1861 quarter eagles struck on dime planchets is yet another Mint mystery. It would seem that if on a particular day someone at the Mint used two or three dime planchets to create numismatic rarities, they would have been done at the same time and from the same die pair, not from two different obverses. As the pieces were struck from business strike, not Proof dies, they were probably not intended as trial pieces or set up pieces; besides, trial pieces would typically be struck in copper. If they were made as Mint errors, by the inadvertent feeding of dime planchets into a quarter eagle press, then this would have happened multiple times in 1861, but not in, for example, 1860.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 38.4 grains. Diameter: 18.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Two die varieties are known of P-332-for some reason Andrew Pollock did not assign them different numbers, though he described them in detail. On the present coin a curl of Miss Liberty's hair is centered over the final 1; on the second variety, the curl is centered over the right side of the final 1 (the Bass Collection example of the second variety has been retained by the Foundation).
George D. Woodside, whose name is associated with two of the three known pieces, was a resident of Philadelphia. Moreover, he enjoyed patterns, and when New York Coin & Stamp Company auctioned his cabinet on April 22-23, 1892, it contained eight different varieties of 1856 Flying Eagle cents in various metals-a fantastic accomplishment. Indeed, his specialty is reflected by the title given to the description of the offering, Catalogue of the Remarkably Fine Collection of U.S. Pattern and Experimental Coins formed by Mr. Geo. D. Woodside, Philadelphia, Pa. Woodside must have been a pal of J. Colvin Randall, a well-known dealer who, in the 1870s, was associated with J.W. Haseltine, but who later became estranged (after which Haseltine plagiarized much of Randall's research and published it under the "Type Table" title in 1881). In 1899 Randall's sight was failing, and forced to give up his numismatic specialty, he sold his inventory and personal collection to George D. Woodside with the understanding that Woodside would continue the trade. However, if Woodside did this, it was not in an aggressive manner, as little is known of his activities. In spring 1900, Woodside sold his personal collection of United States gold coins to the Chapman brothers, S.H. and Henry.
The name Woodside, hardly common, crops up elsewhere in numismatics here and again, including J.G. Woodside, who in 1877 was employed at $4 per day as a watchman at the Carson City Mint, a position he had held since 1872. Significantly, Woodside's employment application noted that he was born in Pennsylvania. In more modern times, W.W. Woodside, a distinguished numismatist of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was well liked, well respected, and for many years was the curator of the numismatic collection at the Carnegie Museum.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 10. Previously from Barney Bluestone, 76th Sale, September 1942, Lot 634. Before that it appeared in the aforementioned Woodside Collection sale, 1892, as Lot 120. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 154.
1865 P-512 Pattern Quarter Eagle
Regular Dies in Copper, Gilt
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1335 1865 pattern quarter eagle. P-512 gilt, J-439. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-60. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Rich, warm gold surfaces.
Narrative: This example is not listed in Andrew Pollock's census of the variety. Just four or five examples are known, including this coin, the Lemus Collection coin, the example in the Connecticut State Library, and appearances in the 1983 ANA Sale, New Netherlands 61st Sale, and Auction '86.
In 1865 a number of Proof strikings were made of various gold denominations, probably a dozen or more impressions of each value, although in keeping with Mint practice at the time, records were either destroyed or not created to begin with. Today the variety is probably on the high side of Rarity-7, meaning there may be 10 to 12 pieces known.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 41.3 grains. Diameter: 17.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The obverse logotype is high and significantly closer to the neck than to the dentils. The last digit is of the "plain" 5 style. Some raised die pits are seen on the portrait.
Purchased from Fred Sweeney, September 18, 1972.
1871 P-1306 Pattern Quarter Eagle
Regular Dies in Copper, Gilt
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1336 1871 pattern quarter eagle. P-1306 gilt, J-1164. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-63. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Brilliant and beautiful, appearing quite like a regular-issue Proof gold coin. In fact, absent weighing this piece, few people could tell the difference.
Narrative: Off-metal strikings of gold coins dated 1871 are extreme rarities, quite unlike the 1865 described in the preceding lot. Andrew Pollock published his knowledge of four extant pieces, one of which was worn.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 37.1 grains. Diameter: 17.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Light pinpoint die chips of Miss Liberty's profile. The date logotype is to the left, approaching the top of the first digit very close to the neck, but not touching it. The portrait of Miss Liberty has many raised areas, including a prominent "island" opposite the left side of the loop and more or less above the space between the 8 and the 7 of the date.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 1131.
1873 P-1477 Pattern Quarter Eagle
Regular Dies in Copper
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1337 1873 pattern quarter eagle. P-1477, J-1333. Rarity-8. Adopted type. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type with Closed 3 in the date.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Lovely brown surfaces with hints of gold and electric blue. A splendid coin.
Narrative: Off-metal strikings of 1873, while rare, come on the market more often than do those of 1871. At least this is the recollection of the cataloguer, but upon inspection of Andrew Pollock's book, we see only three different specimens listed, one of which is worn. If there are only three known, then the rating should be changed to Rarity-8 (perhaps Andrew Pollock knew of more but did not list them, he calls it Rarity-7, meaning that four to 12 are known).
The combination of a high grade and beautiful aesthetic appeal yields a highly desirable coin. To this can be added the aura of the 1873 date, a numismatic favorite for a long time.
The off-metal strikings from the various Proof gold denomination dies are of the Closed 3 format, indicating that they were probably made fairly early in the year (in contrast, pattern trade dollars dated 1873 all have Open 3 configuration).
Technical Aspects: Weight: 37.2 grains. Diameter: 18.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The obverse date logotype, with small 3, is low, with the left side of the first digit being about three times closer to the dentil than the top of the same digit is from the neck. The 3 is of the closed style.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 686.
1873 P-1478 Quarter Eagle
Regular Dies in Aluminum
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1338 1873 pattern quarter eagle. P-1478, J-1334. Rarity-8. Adopted type. Proof-65 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type with Closed 3 in the date.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Fully brilliant and beautiful.
Narrative: A splendid specimen of a first-class rarity, a coin which probably is Rarity-8, as there seems to be no specific evidence to the contrary. Perhaps Andrew Pollock was being ultra conservative when he called it Rarity-7. An incredibly gorgeous coin, an incredible rarity, an incredible opportunity.
Note: See other listings which in the aggregate comprise a complete 1873 gold Proof set struck in aluminum.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 11.1 grains. Diameter: 18.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Same die as preceding.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 701. Previously from King Farouk "Palace Collection," 1954, but if so, the grade listed in the Pollock reference is not correct; possibly this is from some other source.
1875 P-1578 Pattern Quarter Eagle
Regular Dies in Aluminum
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1339 1875 pattern quarter eagle. P-1578, J-1435. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-65 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: A brilliant gem. Superb!
Narrative: The condition of this coin and its elusive quality-it is at the very least high Rarity-7, and maybe Rarity-8-make this coin a showpiece. However, perhaps even more important is that among regular quarter eagles the 1875 is one of the most highly prized dates-a classic rarity. Thus, these elements combine in the present coin to create, shall we say, a landmark plus.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 12.1 grains. Diameter: 17.9 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The logotype is very substantial this year, giving a bold aspect to the coin. The numeral 7 is a bit thin, particularly in comparison to the nearby 8, and the 5 has an overly large flag. The same dies were used to strike Proofs.
From Abner Kreisberg's "Quality" Sales Corp, November 30, 1970, Lot 1326.
1878 P-1757 Pattern Quarter Eagle
Morgan's Liberty Head Design
Copper, Gilt
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1340 1878 pattern quarter eagle. P-1757 gilt, J-1567. Rarity-6+. Liberty Head. Proof-63. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Head of Miss Liberty by Morgan, signed with an incuse M on neck truncation. She is shown facing to the left, with abundant hair done in waves, tied at a bun in the back, and with tresses falling down behind her neck. She has two ribbons, one of which is inscribed LIBERTY and touches her forehead, the other of which contains a symmetrical leaf pattern. The inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM is around the border, and the date 1878 is below, the latter curved to match the border.
Reverse Design: On the reverse is seen a perched eagle with large wings, somewhat similar to that seen on certain pattern dollars of the era. The lettering is small, arranged around the border, and presents a somewhat better appearance than the obverse. However, in its entirety, this is not one of Morgan's artistic masterpieces.
Surfaces: Sharply struck with light yellow gilt surfaces which are subdued and matte-like.
Narrative: The present piece is an important entry in the pattern sweepstakes of the year 1878, and as a denomination is quite a bit scarcer than the half dollar, silver dollar, $5, or $10 pieces.
The present variety is quite scarce, certainly high Rarity-6, challenging Rarity-7.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 33.9 grains. Diameter: 20.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: On the obverse the date was probably entered from individual punches.
From New Netherlands Coin Co., 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 66. Previously from B. Max Mehl, Beldon Roach Collection, February 1944, Lot 1028.
1865 P-516 Pattern $3 Gold
Regular Dies in Copper, Gilt
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1341 1865 pattern three dollars. P-516 gilt, J-441. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-63. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Beautiful brilliant surfaces, deeply mirrored. A splendid coin which closely resembles a gold striking.
Narrative: The present piece is another entry in the off-metal series of gold denomination dies for this year. The piece is gilt, attractively so, and will be a fine addition to an advanced collection. Also to be considered is the status of the 1865 as one of the scarce dates of its era-business strikes are very elusive. The present coin represents a very important opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 43.8 grains. Diameter: 20.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Reverse with date in bold four-digit logotype punch, deeply impressed; positioned as illustrated.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Gilt copper trial piece. Obverse: Most of J.B.L. visible. "Ghosting" around head. Reverse: Date markedly canted up to right. 6 centered under L. 186 as strong as 5.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 1045.
1868 P-728 Pattern $3 Gold
Regular Dies in Aluminum
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1342 1868 pattern three dollars. P-728, J-655. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-64 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Brilliant with a hint of toning.
Narrative: A splendid specimen, probably struck in the year indicated, most certainly from dies used to make Proof gold issues, as noted in Harry Bass' comments below. Similar to other aluminum strikings of this year, the 1868 $3 appears on the market now and again, but on balance is seldom seen and unquestionably rare.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 18.1 grains. Diameter: 20.6 mm. Die alignment: 360°. Die notes: On the reverse some minor recutting is seen at the upper left interior of the 8 (1868); the leaf to the left of the 1 is skeletal.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Dies of regular Proofs, upset. Aluminum. Proof. Medal struck, one die rotated 180° from normal. Obverse: Has convex appearance. Most of J.B.L. visible. Rust lumps visible within ED and R. Reverse: Appears concave. Date nearly centered, slightly canted down to right. Numerals as those of 1867. Final 8 a bit heavy.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 14, 1971.
1869 P-858 Pattern $3 Gold
Regular Dies in Aluminum
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1343 1869 pattern three dollars. P-858, J-773. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-64. Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Brilliant and beautiful.
Narrative: Aluminum impressions from the 1869 Proof dies are exceedingly rare, definitely more so than the earlier offered 1868. Apparently, only a handful were struck. Andrew Pollock accounts for just four specimens, which may include duplicate listings, but in any event includes one that is worn. Thus, the present opportunity is highly important.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 13.6 grains. Diameter: 20.6 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Reverse with date deeply impressed from four-digit logotype, the first digit being somewhat disproportionate and with a nearly horizontal flag at the top, much bolder than the serifs at the base; the serifs are of unequal length.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, August 30, 1971.
1872 P-1380 Pattern $3 Gold
Regular Dies in Copper
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1344 1872 pattern three dollars. P-1380, J-1238. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-62 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Cleaned at one time, now mainly orange with some toning. On the reverse, scarcely noticeable, are some scratches above S (DOLLARS).
Narrative: Copper impressions of the 1862 gold coins of all denominations are very rare, and the present piece fits the rule. Just four examples were known to Andrew Pollock, a statement which says it all. Thus, the piece is high Rarity-7.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 40.8 grains. Diameter: 20.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Date possibly from a three-digit punch with the 2 added separately, the latter figure leaning left and nearly touching the 7.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Different collar. Obverse: That of 1869 #1 Proof. Moderately hubbed, 60% of J.B.L. visible. E(D) partially filled. "Ghosting" around head. Reverse: Date level. 7 twice as distant from LA as from bow loop top. 8 is exactly centered beneath opening between LL. Top 40% of left bow loop opening is mirrored.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, February 1,1972.
1873 P-1479 Pattern $3 Gold
Regular Dies in Copper
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1345 1873 pattern three dollars. P-1479, J-1335. Rarity-8. Adopted type. Proof-62 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type with Closed 3 in the date.
Surfaces: Light brown and iridescent surfaces.
Narrative: Only three different specimens of this variety have been traced by Andrew Pollock (one of which is worn), seemingly making it Rarity-8 (as we have noted above), but noted in his reference as Rarity-7. Regardless, the issue is exceedingly rare, and typically years will pass between offerings.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 40.2 grains. Diameter: 20.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Reverse with closed 3 in date, four-digit logotype deeply impressed.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection April 28, 1972, Lot 687.
1873 P-1480 Pattern $3 Gold
Regular Dies in Aluminum
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1346 1873 pattern three dollars. P-1480, J-1336. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-64 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type with Closed 3 in the date.
Surfaces: Brilliant and beautiful, about as nice as the day it was minted.
Narrative: Another splendid item from the full set of 1873 aluminum impressions from gold Proof dies, as offered under various denominations in the sale. There is much to be learned concerning the $3 issues of 1873, as there is no concensus at present as to what is an original, what is a restrike, and the various circumstances under which the various coins were struck. The notes given below by Harry Bass are of permanent value in this regard.
Note: See other listings which in the aggregate comprise a complete 1873 gold Proof set struck in aluminum.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 12.7 grains. Diameter: 20.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Dies as preceding; see further notes below.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: Obverse: That of 1869 #1 Proof. Moderately hubbed, 60% of J.B.L. visible. Left interior of E(D) filled. "Ghosting" around head. Faint rust in field below (N)I, in front of nose, below R. Appears convex. Reverse: Closed 3. Date very low, canted up to right relative to DOLLARS. OL(L) and 187 are weak with porous surfaces. Appears dished (concave). Left interior leaf opposite date is but a tip fragment.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 702.
1874 P-1515 Pattern $3
Regular Dies in Aluminum
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1347 1874 pattern three dollars. P-1515, J-1370. Rarity-8. Adopted type. Proof-64 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Brilliant and beautiful. Another superb coin.
Narrative: We do not recall ever having handled an example of P-1515 before, which in itself is remarkable. Andrew Pollock lists just two examples-this one plus a worn piece in the Farouk Collection. Whether or not this pattern is ever a part of your collection may well depend upon your success in bidding when this lot crosses the block. The coin is superb in quality and extraordinary in rarity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 11.9 grains. Diameter: 20.4 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Date 1874 slightly left of the normal position seen on coins of this denomination.
Harry W. Bass, Jr. notes: First S at bottom. Obverse: That of 1873 #3 (Open 3) Proof. Die scratch from denticle above O(F) to that letter. Reused for Proofs of 1875. Very lightly hubbed; tops only of J.B.L. visible, portion of front of headdress missing (distinctive). No "Ghosting." Reverse: Date well to left, centered between DOLLARS and top point of ribbon loop; level relative to DOLLARS. Top of 1 is centered beneath O.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, September 16, 1971.
1879 P-1835 Flowing Hair Stella
Struck in Aluminum
1348 1879 pattern four dollars. P-1835, J-1637. Rarity-7. Flowing Hair. Proof-67 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A head of Liberty faces left, her hair combed back and flowing in curls behind her neck. Her hair is held by a band inscribed LIBERTY. Around, the inscription * 6 * G * .3 * S * .7 * C * 7 * G * R * A * M * S * and below, the date 1879.
Reverse Design: A single large star serves as the central motif, inscribed with incuse lettering ONE STELLA 400 CENTS. Around, in small letters, the mottoes E PLURIBUS UNUM and DEO EST GLORIA. In large letters, around the border, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above, and the denomination FOUR DOL. below.
Surfaces: Brilliant with light toning. A superb specimen.
Narrative: As an aluminum striking the 1879 $4 Stella is at least 50 times rarer than its gold counterpart! Over a long period of years, few have appeared on the market, and even the most advanced pattern cabinets are apt to lack an example. The Pollock reference lists just five pieces, which may represent duplicate appearances of some.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 19.3 grains. Diameter: 21.7 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: On the obverse the elements were punched by hand, including the date. On the reverse, the letters within the star are incuse-as on all of this denomination-an interesting touch, as it is unusual for so many letters and numbers to be in this style. The letters around the border are punched in by hand, and are of varying alignment, the G (GLORIA) being too high, for example. Other comments could be made.
Historical Information: In the form of gold strikings, the $4 coin or the Stella, so-called from the star on the reverse, was produced in 1879 and 1880. Honorable John A. Kasson, United States Minister to Austria, believed that a coin of this value could be readily used by foreign travelers as it was worth about the same as certain coins of similar weight that were popular in France, Germany, and other European countries. Reflective of its intended international nature, the obverse inscription gives its metallic components expressed in the metric system. Also, the alloy provided the opportunity to use both gold and silver. Similar to Dana Bickford's $10 pattern of 1874 (see subsequent listing) and other metric and international proposals, the idea went nowhere.
Regardless of the logic or lack thereof concerning whether such a piece could effectively circulate, the $4 Stella provided a forum for Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber and one of his assistants, George T. Morgan, to each create a motif. Flowing Hair (Barber) and Coiled Hair (Morgan) styles were created. Of the 1879 Flowing Hair design (the gold counterpart of the aluminum striking offered here) at least 400 were struck, perhaps more. Quite a few of the gold impressions were made available to congressmen, perhaps accounting for a number of impaired and circulated pieces known today. In addition to gold impressions, strikings were made in copper, aluminum, and at least one in white metal, the latter crossing the block in our sale of the Polis Collection in 1991. Aluminum and copper impressions, while rare in their own right, are probably even more elusive in terms of pieces that today show their original surface, for some have been gilt.
From Stack's sale of the Garrett Collection, March 12, 1976, Lot 668. This was offered as a set of four Stellas struck in aluminum. Previously from the Dr. Edward Maris Collection.
