Patterns - Lots 1402-1414
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part I
Patterns - Lots 1402-1414
Paquet's 1859 Pattern $20
Liberty Seated Variation
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1402 1859 pattern double eagle. P-305 gilt, J-257. Rarity-6. Paquet's Liberty Seated obverse. Proof-63. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: A seated figure of Liberty faces left, supporting a shield with her left hand and holding a vertical fasces with her right. Thirteen stars are around. An olive branch and three arrows are at the base of the shield and an eagle stands behind.
Reverse Design: A heavy wreath of oak and laurel encircles the reverse, open at the top. Around the inside of the wreath is the legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Inside the legend is the denomination, 20 DOLLARS, and the date, 1859.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with bright yellow surfaces, matte-like in nature. Heavy obverse and reverse striae are noted.
Narrative: Among pattern gold coins of the 19th century, this is one of the more distinctive designs. In fact, it has no counterpart-not even remote-among regular-issue gold coins. Moreover, it is one of relatively few pieces attributed to the hand of Anthony C. Paquet, who in 1859 had been a full-time Mint employee for only two years. This handsome coin will make a fine addition to any pattern cabinet.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 277.4 grains. Diameter: 34.1 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: On the obverse the stars are oriented with two points toward the edge. Reverse with prominent raised veins in leaves, hastily engraved (on left opposite T of UNITED the closest berry has three veins going over the top of it). Wreath composed of oak (with acorns) and, apparently, laurel. Two center dots to the right of the second L in DOLLARS. The date 1859 seems to have been entered in the die with individual numeral punches, not a four-digit logotype.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 8. Previously from Abe Kosoff, May 1942, Lot 165. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 139.
1859 Paquet Reverse Double Eagle
P-311, Copper Gilt
Rare and Important
Adopted Liberty Head Type by Christian Gobrecht
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1403 1859 pattern double eagle. P-311 gilt, J-260. Rarity-8. Liberty Head with Paquet reverse. Proof-63. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: Paquet's famous tall letters reverse, similar in general layout to the federal issue, but with the border inscription in tall letters with thick uprights, from punches believed to have been made by Paquet, and today recognized as a "signature" of that artist.
Surfaces: Very sharply struck with heavy striae. Medium yellow with light hairlines.
Narrative: This is the famous Paquet reverse with tall, slender letters in the legend and denomination. The 1861-dated version with this reverse, although from a different hub, struck in gold, is a classic United States numismatic rarity with just three examples known. That in our Norweb Collection sale realized $660,000 in 1988!
The present coin is of extreme historical significance, representing as it does the earliest appearance of Paquet's distinctive style. Moreover, as this or any other Philadelphia Paquet reverse is for all practical purposes unobtainable in gold, the present coin offers an exceedingly important opportunity. We expect a great deal of attention to be centered upon it as it crosses the auction block. The number of specimens is not known, but Andrew Pollock traces just two appearances.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 295.7 grains. Diameter: 34.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The obverse is similar in concept to the federal issue, but a different obverse die than that used in the following lot. The present piece is from the same master die as the following, but employs different date punches. On the present coin, the numerals are thinner and differently configured than on the following. On the present coin, the openings within the 8 are ovals, while on the following they are more in the shape of thin vertical openings with rounded ends; the flag of the 5 on the present coin is thinner than on the following, and the same is true for the right side of the 5; the ball on the 5 is smaller. The opening in the 9 on the present coin is more open and wider than on the following, and on the present coin the ball of the 9 is smaller, etc. The Paquet reverse differs from the regular federal issue (as described in the following lot) in many details. A few of them are mentioned here. Around the border the Paquet letters are tall and with thick uprights, this being the "signature" of the die. The reverse rim is virtually nonexistent, and the dentils go nearly to the edge, this being the reason why in 1861 the use of such of a die for regular coinage purposes was countermanded by the Mint director, who felt that the rim would spall or chip away (which in practice does not seem to have happened, as, indeed, quite a few business strikes were made at the San Francisco Mint employing a related die). The glory of rays on the Paquet coin has many differences, including two thin rays between the two heavy rays above the leftmost star (while the federal issue has one thick ray in this position), different orientation with regard to the letters, etc. In general, the glory done by Paquet is more finely engraved with better details. The stars were punched in by hand, and on the Paquet reverse are free of the rays, either being below them or within them, while in the federal version the top part of the top stars are superimposed on the rays. The central motif is from a different punch, with different details as to the ornaments, different spacing, etc. For example, the flourish extending upward from the eagle's beak is clear of the eagle's wing on the Paquet reverse, but touches it on the federal reverse. The U (UNUM) is differently aligned with regard to a nearby curlicue; the arrowheads are differently positioned; etc. Much of the same configuration was used on later business strikes of various mints, indicating that further study of these details may prove fruitful (and will be conducted in connection with our subsequent sales of the Bass Collection coins which will include many $20 pieces).
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 3, 1971. Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 144.
1859 P-312 Double Eagle in Copper
Possibly Unique in Private Hands
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1404 1859 pattern double eagle. P-312, J-263. Rarity-8. Adopted type. AU-58 (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: Sharply struck with deep brown surfaces and a few moderate marks. Light tan is noted on the highest points.
Narrative: Andrew W. Pollock III traces only two examples, the piece offered here and the piece in the Byron Reed Collection. Although the piece has seen some slight wear, it is still quite attractive from a visual viewpoint. This plus its rarity combine to create yet another exceedingly important opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 297.7 grains. Diameter: 34.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: See notes on the preceding lot for comparison.
Purchased from Max Draisner, August 22, 1973.
1865 Transitional Double Eagle
P-526, Copper
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1405 1865 pattern double eagle. P-526, J-453. Rarity-6. Adopted type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Proof-66 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Liberty Head by Longacre, the adopted style.
Reverse Design: The style adopted the following year, 1866, with motto, IN GOD WE TRUST.
Surfaces: A sharply struck example with moderate cameo contrast. Dark brown with blue and amber highlights. Very attractive.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 279.7 grains. Diameter: 34.0 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: On the obverse the first date digit is slightly closer to a nearby dentil than to the neck above; the impression from a four-digit logotype punch, the 5 is "plain." On the reverse, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST has been added by hand punching. The details of the glory and the eagle are similar in style to that used on the 1859 Paquet reverse, significantly more so than that used on the 1859 regular reverse; this is a curious situation, and indicates that the central elements were changed. The spacing, position of letters, etc., follows the Paquet style, although, of course, in the present instance the letters are "normal"; that is, they are not tall. On the present coin, the motto IN GOD WE/TRUST was punched by hand, with the G (GOD) far too low in relation to the nearby N (IN), and leaning left. Counting from the star to the left of I (IN), star 1 is slightly repunched at the upper right, star 7 is dramatically repunched at its right, star 8 is dramatically repunched, star 9 is distinctly repunched, star 10 is slightly repunched, star 11 is distinctly repunched, star 12 is not repunched, and star 13 is significantly repunched These markers should serve to identify the use of this die on any other patterns, business strikes, Proofs, etc. In time, the motto was made part of the master die, but in the present instance the finishing was done by hand.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s 61st Sale, June 30, 1970, Lot 22.
1867 Pattern Double Eagle
P-669, Copper
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1406 1867 pattern double eagle. P-669, J-604. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-62 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: J.B. Longacre's Liberty Head type as used on regular coinage.
Reverse Design: Regular type of the year.
Surfaces: A light cameo Proof with sharp design details. Mahogany and bright blue.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 220.9 grains. Diameter: 34.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The obverse date is from a four-digit punch. The first numeral is slightly closer to the neck than to the nearest dentil. On the neck of Miss Liberty, near the bottom and toward the open space within the hair curl, are several raised cross-hatched lines from the die.
On the reverse the master die by this time incorprorated the star elements and IN GOD WE/TRUST, and it is similar to that used on other Proofs of the year, but different from the transitional piece earlier offered.
Purchased from Sidney W. Smith, January 8, 1972.
1868 Pattern Double Eagle
P-740, Aluminum
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1407 1868 pattern double eagle. P-740, J-665. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-63 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: The adopted type.
Reverse Design: The adopted type.
Surfaces: A lovely bright gray cameo Proof with extremely sharp design details.
Narrative: A splendid Proof that was probably originally distributed as part of an aluminum Proof set of this particular year (an example of such a set being offered in our King of Siam Sale, October 1987). Such pieces are seldom seen today.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 86.3 grains. Diameter: 34.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: First digit of date logotype about three times closer to the neck than to the nearest dentil.
Purchased from Joe Flynn, Sr. Coin Co., August 10, 1971.
1870 Pattern Double Eagle
P-1173, Copper, Gilt
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1408 1870 pattern double eagle. P-1173, J-1038. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-63. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Liberty Head as used on regular coinage.
Reverse Design: Regular type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Surfaces: A lovely, highly reflective Proof with light cameo contrast. Sharply struck with bright greenish yellow gilt surfaces. A truly delightful coin for the double eagle specialist.
Narrative: As a date, off-metal strikings of 1870 are considerably scarcer than either 1868 or 1869, but in truth none of these are seen with any degree of regularity. The present piece represents a highly important opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 286.3 grains. Diameter: 34.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Apparently from the dies used to coin regular-issue Proof double eagles of this year. The first digit in the date logotype is about two to three times closer to the neck than to the nearest dentil.
Purchased from Brinton T. Schorer, May 3, 1973.
1872 Pattern Double Eagle
P-1395, Copper, Gilt
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1409 1872 pattern double eagle. P-1395 gilt, J-1253. Rarity-8. Adopted type. Proof-63. Copper, gilt. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Liberty Head as used on regular coinage.
Reverse Design: Regular type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Surfaces: Deeply reflective mirrored surfaces with very faint cameo contrast. Bright greenish yellow gilding with faint orange toning on the obverse. The reverse is bright yellow. At first glance, this lovely gilt pattern has the appearance of a regular-issue Proof double eagle.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 280.9 grains. Diameter: 34.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The reverse is from the same die as the 1870 pattern offered above. The first digit in the date logotype is about two to three times closer to the neck than to the nearest dentil. The top surfaces of the date, if viewed at an angle, are slightly shallower at the center than at the top and bottom, indicating that either the punch had a dished configuration or, more likely, the logotype was "rocked" when it was entered into the die; comparison of other $20 pieces using this logotype would answer the question.
From Superior's sale of December 13, 1972, Lot 2201A.
1873 Pattern Double Eagle
P-1488, Copper
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1410 1873 pattern double eagle. P-1488, J-1344. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-63 RB (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Liberty Head as used on regular coinage.
Reverse Design: Regular type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Surfaces: Sharply struck with considerable mint red, blended with blue, teal, and dark rose. A very choice example.
Narrative: A splendid specimen illustrating this very popular year-a combination of rarity and excellent eye appeal. A winning coin that should attract a great deal of bidding attention.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 281.6 grains. Diameter: 34.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Closed 3 in date, as on regular-issue Proofs. The first numeral of the date logotype is ever so slightly closer to the neck than to the nearest dentil; the logotype is slightly more to the left than typically seen on $20 pieces of this era.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 690.
1873 Pattern Double Eagle
P-1489, Aluminum
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1411 1873 pattern double eagle. P-1489, J-1345. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-66 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Liberty Head as used on regular coinage.
Reverse Design: Regular type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Surfaces: A coin of phenomenal appeal. An incredible cameo Proof with extremely heavy lustre on the devices. The fields are as deeply mirrored as any we have seen. This is among the finest patterns of any in the present auction.
Narrative: The above description says it all, or almost. We add that the issue is exceedingly rare, and this may well represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity combining quality and elusive character.
Note: This is the highest denomination in our individual coin offering of a complete 1873 gold Proof set struck in aluminum.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 85.2 grains. Diameter: 34.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: From the same dies used on preceding, however, the present piece has some slight raised rust areas to the lower right of the star directly below S (TRUST), a feature not seen on the previous lot.
From RARCOA's sale of the Harry X Boosel "1873" Collection, April 28, 1972, Lot 705.
1875 Pattern Double Eagle
P-1595, Aluminum
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1412 1875 pattern double eagle. P-1595, J-1449. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-64 (PCGS). Aluminum. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Liberty Head as used on regular coinage.
Reverse Design: Regular type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Surfaces: Deeply reflective light gray cameo Proof with heavy contrast between devices and field. Sharply struck. A few very minor hairlines are mentioned, for the sake of accuracy.
Narrative: The Proof gold strikings of 1875 stand high among legendary numismatic rarities, a situation which reflects in a way upon the off-metal striking such as the lovely aluminum coin offered here. Many years may elapse before an equivalent opportunity occurs.
The reverse on this piece is notably double struck, a result of being struck once, then struck again, with the die loose in its chuck-again a rather unusual situation. This, of course, may be unique to this particular coin, as it is an artifact of striking, not of the die.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 91.5 grains. Diameter: 34.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The obverse field is remarkably plane (only slightly basined), a feature evident upon holding the coin at a slight angle to the light. Some raised "islands" are seen on the neck of Miss Liberty, perhaps a half dozen in all. Also evident are some raised lintmarks, including two before the ear, and one semi-circular lintmark at the neck right before the chin. As these are raised on the coin, it means that these pieces of lint were on the master die, not the working die-a very interesting and somewhat unusual situation. A comparison of gold impressions from this die might be instructive.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, September 16, 1971.
1876 Pattern Double Eagle
P-1642, Copper
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1413 1876 pattern double eagle. P-1642, J-1489. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-66 BN (PCGS). Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Liberty Head as used on regular coinage.
Reverse Design: Regular type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Surfaces: A delightful example with satiny lustre, not deeply reflective as normally seen. Light olive, with teal, amber, and lilac. Sharply struck.
Narrative: This is a very curious coin, and one that would merit further study. Although such pieces are normally called "Proof," (and PCGS has described as such) it is our opinion that this is from a business strike die, as it has satiny lustre. The die crack (see Die Notes) would likewise be unusual on a Proof.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 266.8 grains. Diameter: 34.3 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: The reverse has a thin die crack beginning in the field opposite the upper right, continuing through the top of STATE, ending partway through the final S. Inasmuch as this does not seem to be a Proof striking, could this piece have been made on a regular production press as a set-up piece? Perhaps the die pair had been used, removed from the press, and then was put back in the press again. If any readers have information on other states of the crack mentioned we would be pleased to include further notes in an issue of the Rare Coin Review. The date logotype is farther to the right than on the preceding; the first digit of the date is about twice as close to the nearest dentil as to the neck; the J (J.B.L.) is over the thick left part of the 8. Other differences could be described.
From Abner Kreisberg's "Quality" Sales Corp, September 13, 1971, Lot 702.
1876 Double Eagle Pattern
P-1642, Copper, Gilt
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1414 1876 pattern double eagle. P-1642 gilt, J-1489. Rarity-7. Adopted type. Proof-64. Copper. Reeded edge.
Obverse Design: Longacre's Liberty Head as used on regular coinage.
Reverse Design: Regular type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Surfaces: A delightful example with cameo frosty designs and elements set against a deep mirror field. One wonders whether this was struck on a planchet that was gilt before striking or whether it was gilt later. Certainly, except for the weight, it has every aspect and characteristic of a regular Proof gold striking.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 264.6 grains. Diameter: 34.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: Date logotype farther to the left than on the previous lot; first digit is about equally distant from the neck and from the nearest dentil. The J (J.B.L.) on the neck truncation is over the left side of the inner loops on the 8.
From Superior's sale of the Gilhousen Collection, February 19, 1973, Lot 1064.
End of Session II
