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Sale 17
Coin Auction
| U.S. Patterns (1869-1882) |
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| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 1804 |
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1869 Pattern Three Cents. Nickel, plain edge. Judd-676. Pollock-753, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 62. The obverse is very nice for the grade, but the reverse has a number of small green specks and shows some minor hairlines, which together account for the grade. Hazy nickel tones of steel gray with no signs of toning otherwise (PCGS # 60901) .
Estimated Value $800 - 900.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1565.
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| Realized
$978 |
Lot 1805 |
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1869 Pattern Three Cents. Nickel, plain edge. Judd-676. Pollock-753, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 50. This one must have circulated for a time before being recognized as a scarce pattern issue. Natural steel gray color and well struck (PCGS # 60901) .
Estimated Value $700 - 900.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on May 27, 1944 for $1.75.
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| Unsold |
Lot 1806 |
 |
1869 Pattern Five Cents. Nickel, plain edge. Judd-684. Pollock-763, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 64. This pattern employs a very similar design to the Three Cent nickel obverse, with a new reverse sporting a large "V" for the denomination, and a simple wreath tied with a bow and a scroll with the motto above. Sharply struck by the dies on all but a few of the lower curls on Liberty's neck, and toned with natural nickel gray haze on both sides. One tiny tick at the base point of the neck, and only a couple of very light hairlines account for the grade. PCGS has graded 15 this high, with 7 graded higher, all PR-65 (PCGS # 60909) .
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1564.
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| Realized
$1,380 |
Lot 1807 |
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1869 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-696. Pollock-775, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 65. Deeply toned with shades of blue and lilac gray on both sides, even from edge to center. Fully struck by the dies, with no sign of weakness to be found. Further, the surfaces are pristine, which is remarkable for this pattern issue. PCGS has graded 8 this high, with none graded higher although this one must have been close. A great many "standard silver" issues were struck of various die combinations as the experiments continued under the laudanum days of the Mint's favorite druggist, Robert Coulton Davis, who used his influential mixture to obtain just about anything he wanted from the Mint. Meanwhile, Congress was being given many delightful choices as the engravers produced dozens of pattern coins as proposals for changing the then current designs. Most went without much notice, but today provide collectors with dozens of fanciful pieces to represent what might have been (PCGS # 60921) .
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction on December 8, 1945, lot 1555 for $9.
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| Realized
$1,783 |
Lot 1808 |
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1869 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-702. Pollock-781, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 66. Seductive deep lilac and blue toning on both sides. Close examination will note some very fine evidence of die rust in the fields, which despite the die polishing used to create the mirror fields, still shows with a strong glass. One of the finest graded of this important Standard Silver pattern issue, PCGS has awarded this grade to just 4 coins, with none graded higher. We suspect that the rarity has been adjusted as PCGS has graded 40 coins and even with duplications this one has dropped to Rarity-5. Fully struck and as perfect as one could hope to find. A premier example of this rare issue (PCGS # 60927) .
Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction of July 8, 1945 as lot 1347 for $9.
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| Realized
$2,070 |
Lot 1809 |
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1869 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-702. Pollock-781, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 63. Bright steel gray in color with a touch of gold starting to form around the periphery. A glass will locate a few handling marks on the lower right obverse, including a light mark on Liberty's neck. Fully struck by the dies, with the same diagnostics as the PR-66 coin offered of this pattern issue (PCGS # 60927) .
Estimated Value $500-UP.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1561.
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| Realized
$1,093 |
Lot 1810 |
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1869 Pattern Dime. Silver, plain edge. Judd-703. Pollock-782, High rarity-6. PCGS graded Proof 65. Boldly struck by the dies and toned with a dark but rich combination of blue and gray. There are traces of a fingerprint on the obverse in the right field. The fields show evidence of light die rust, but are otherwise well mirrored and preserved. Seldom offered in any grade, PCGS has graded a total of 12 in all grades, and this is one of just 3 as PR-65, with a single coin graded higher as PR-66, the balance in lower grades.
The die engraving on the obverse is very well executed, the scroll at the base shows the proud letters IN GOD WE TRUST with the D of GOD slightly doubled. Liberty herself is very three dimensional in execution. A rare offering for the specialist (PCGS # 60928) .
Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1560 for an unknown amount.
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| Realized
$1,783 |
Lot 1811 |
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1869 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-708. Pollock-787, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 65. Lovely steel gray toning with hints of blue especially near the periphery. Like the J-709 in this sale, the wreath shows a trace of weakness on the lower portions, but otherwise the coin is sharp. The obverse shows Liberty wearing a plain headband, with a single star in her diadem. On the reverse, there is a lovely laurel and oak wreath, with the date below and denomination at the center. Superb color and surfaces for the grade, PCGS has graded a scant 4 this high, with a single coin graded higher (PR-66). Another opportunity to buy a rare coin in a very high grade. In PCGS holder #3606027 (PCGS # 60933) .
Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1558.
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| Realized
$1,783 |
Lot 1812 |
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1869 Pattern Dime. Silver, plain edge. Judd-709. Pollock-788, High rarity-6. PCGS graded Proof 66. Similar to the other Standard Silver issues, on this obverse Liberty sports a plain hair ribbon and a single star on her diadem. On the reverse, a wreath of laurel and oak tied with a ribbon at the bottom, STANDARD SILVER above and around, with the denomination 10 CENTS at the center and the date below. Sharply struck on the obverse, the reverse with minor weakness on the lower portions of the wreath. Color wise, this one is well matched with the others patterns from the Benson collection, with steel gray hues and substantial blue tones when examined with a light. The color is generally even on the obverse, and slightly irregular on the reverse, with lighter areas near the centers, and a few lighter areas left of the date. An important rarity for specialist, PCGS notes only 7 have been graded in all, with this one alone at the top as PR-66, and NGC has graded a total of 6, with none seen above PF-65 by that service. Apparently the finest graded, and perhaps the finest known of this issue, so bid accordingly, as this coin is a high Rarity-6 issue. In PCGS holder #3606026 (PCGS # 60934) .
Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1557.
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| Realized
$2,300 |
Lot 1813 |
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1869 Pattern Quarter Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-733. Pollock-814, High rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 66. One of the finest of this popular issue to survive, this spectacular coin boasts glowing mirror fields and delicate gold peripheral toning. Cameo frost on the devices, and we note extensive die polishing lines on the fields and devices. The surfaces are pristine, and close examination fails to locate any tick worth describing. Sharply struck on all the devices without a trace of weakness to be found, and truly a monumental coin for the grade. PCGS has graded only 4 this high, with none graded higher of this pattern issue (PCGS # 60960) .
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1554 for an unknown amount.
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| Realized
$2,760 |
Lot 1814 |
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1869 Pattern Quarter Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-733. Pollock-814, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 66. A superb example of this popular Standard Silver pattern. The surfaces are toned a lilac and gray hue, even and well distributed on both sides. Under a light, one can see hints of red and blue on the devices. Experience shows us this kind of toning is the result of decades of storage in a Kraft envelope or similar paper environment, allowing the toning colors to form over decades. Gems like this are rare, as the past several decades have unfolded, most were cleaned or mishandled, with hairlines or other surface damage as a result. To find a true high end gem like this, with pristine surfaces and gorgeous color is quite a treat. To find an entire collection of coins like this, is simply awe inspiring! Don't miss out, for once these are sold, they may not be offered again for years to come. PCGS has only graded 4 of these as PR-66, with none graded higher of this pattern, and only 35 in all grades, keeping this a solid high Rarity-5 and nearly a Rarity-6 level (PCGS # 60960) .
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction of July 8, 1945 as lot 1343 for $10.
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| Realized
$2,760 |
Lot 1815 |
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1869 Pattern Quarter Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-733. Pollock-814. NGC graded Proof 65. Slightly cloudy surfaces and a curious mix of reflective and satiny fields. A scarce pattern issue that is sharply struck.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800.
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| Realized
$1,955 |
Lot 1816 |
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1870 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-843. Pollock-942, Rarity-6. PCGS graded Proof 66. One of the finest examples of this pattern issue, curiously Dr. Benson had three of these, all in high grades, with this particular one graded the highest of the group. Lilac gray in color, toned evenly on both the obverse and reverse. Sharply struck, with no signs of weakness to be found, including the date which is often weak. Superbly preserved, no hairlines or contact marks to detract the eye. The reverse die was rotated about 10 degrees counterclockwise when this coin was struck which is normal for the issue. PCGS has graded a total of 23 examples of this coin, which probably keeps it within the lower range of Rarity-6. This particular coin is one of the 2 finest graded by PCGS, and likely tied for the finest known. An impressive, beautiful and rare coin for the connoisseur (PCGS # 61087) .
Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,800.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1572.
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| Realized
$2,415 |
Lot 1817 |
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1870 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-843. Pollock-942, High rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 65. Sharp and original, with magnificent blue gray toning on both sides. The colors on this one are even prettier than most, which is saying a lot. A couple of minor, faint hairlines from a higher grade, but this gem will satisfy most collectors with ease. PCGS has graded 4 this high, with just 2 graded higher, both PR-66 above. Standard Silver coins are certainly beautiful, and to find several such lovely toned gems to choose from will make this a sale to remember for many years to come. The reverse die is rotated about 10 degrees counter clockwise as often seen on this die pairing (PCGS # 61087) .
Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed's Auction of March 30, 1946 lot 688 for $7.25.
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| Realized
$1,955 |
Lot 1818 |
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1870 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-843. Pollock-942. High rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 64. Lighter silver in color, with hints of colorful hues starting to form around the periphery. This one has been lightly wiped with a cloth, and some hairlines are present, accounting for the grade. There are a couple of lint marks located near the center of the reverse. Liberty has a plain hair ribbon, and a simple diadem on her head, and the familiar cotton, wheat and corn wreath makes up the reverse. The reverse die is rotated about 10 degrees counter clockwise as usual. As to rarity, PCGS has graded a total of 23 examples, this is one of 11 graded as PR-64, with 6 graded higher (PCGS # 61087) .
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction of July 8, 1945 as lot 1353 for $11.
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| Realized
$1,438 |
Lot 1819 |
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1870 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-849. Pollock-956, High rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 66. Resplendent blue and gray toning on this one, with radiant blue around the periphery from long storage in a National Pages album, or something similar. The surfaces are superb, with no signs of handling or abuse. Well mirrored fields, and the strike is generally sharp. A scarce issue with approximately 30-40 known, and this is certainly one of the best. In fact, PCGS has only graded 1 this high, this coin, with none graded higher! Hence, if you demand the finest, then this is likely the coin you need.
The Standard Silver coinage came about as a proposed solution to the flood of fractional currency that had taken over the country at that time. Hatred of the tiny filthy notes was universal, enough so that nickel mine owner Joseph Wharton was able to sell all the nickel he could pull from the ground to the Mint for use in Three Cent nickels and soon Shield nickels, both of which were coined solely to replace the 3¢ and 5¢ fractional notes. Higher denomination fractional currency notes persisted, as all silver coinage then in circulation was being hoarded for its bullion content which approached or even slightly exceeded the stated value of the coin. William Barber proposed striking dimes, quarters and half dollars of lighter weight (and value) with the intention being that these new coins would stay in circulation and not be hoarded, and the new "Standard Silver" pieces could be exchanged for the fractional notes. Sets of the Standard Silver patterns were created and spread amongst the powers that be, but the proposal was not accepted in the end. Further, the price of gold had a serious run up in price in 1869 as Jay Gould and his partner Jim Fisk attempted (and nearly succeeded) in cornering the gold market, causing further hoarding of silver and gold. Only when President Grant released some of the Treasury's holdings of gold was the corner broken, and Gould and Fisk lost their shirts as more gold appeared on the market than they could buy. As market conditions normalized, the price of silver slowly drifted back to pre-Civil War ratios, and silver coins once again circulated as intended along with gold. Thus, the Standard Silver issue idea was shelved, but at least we have many delectable pattern issues to enjoy today to attest to these troubled times (PCGS # 61093) .
Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1571.
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| Realized
$2,300 |
Lot 1820 |
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1870 Pattern Dime. Silver, plain edge. Judd-850. Pollock-957. High rarity-6. PCGS graded Proof 65. Delightful lilac gray toning on both the obverse and reverse. Fully struck on all the design elements, including the highest points of the cotton, wheat and corn wreath on the reverse. Superb surfaces expected for a gem, and we see no trace of disturbances or hairlines. Close examination will note fine die lines present on the obverse, and these are seen on most of specimens of this pattern obverse. Note that the reverse die is rotated about 30 degrees counter clockwise. PCGS has graded only 4 examples this high, with a single coin graded higher, and importantly just 9 altogether, making this pattern likely a high rarity-6 issue. In PCGS holder #3606030 (PCGS # 61094) .
Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,700.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 as lot 1570.
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| Realized
$1,955 |
Lot 1821 |
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1870 Pattern Quarter Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-888. Pollock-987, High rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 64. Gorgeous old time toning on this one, with darker hues in the fields hugging the devices, and lighter grays in the open field areas. We believe this coin will be a favorite of most of those viewing, as anyone who knows toned coins will find this exceptional. Faint hairlines account for the grade, and a couple of trivial handling ticks on the reverse. Sharp on the obverse, the reverse too, save for the denomination, which was lightly cut into the die by Barber. Note that the design incorporates the curled up cap on Liberty, with a diadem of large stars and a ribbon over her shoulder with LIBERTY. On the reverse we see a wreath of corn, wheat and cotton, and the denomination and date at the center, with STANDARD above. PCGS has graded 6 this high, with 2 graded higher (both PR-65), making this one of the better ones known of the die pairing (PCGS # 61132) .
Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 as lot 1566 where it was identified as aluminum (J-892) according to the handwritten notes on the flip.
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| Realized
$1,323 |
Lot 1822 |
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1870 Pattern Quarter Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-894. Pollock-1001, High rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 64. A perfect match to the other Standard Silver pattern issues from the Benson collection, the toning is a medium steel gray with hints of blue through the periphery, and the color is quite even on both sides. Sharply struck by the dies, and nice for the grade. Examination will locate some trivial hairlines which probably kept this from a full gem grade, but they are old and toned over. Likely this one was stored in the Hollinbeck envelope since its purchase 55 or so years ago. PCGS has graded 12 as PR-64, with 7 graded higher (best PR-67) (PCGS # 61138) .
Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1567.
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| Realized
$1,323 |
Lot 1823 |
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1870 Pattern Half Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-957. Pollock-1108, Rarity-6. PCGS graded Proof 64. Deep lilac and rose gray toning evenly distributed on both sides, with a warm glow on the central devices. We note some hairlines in the fields, and these account for the grade assigned, as we see no significant contact marks elsewhere. As usual, the strike is not quite full on the deeply engraved obverse, and minor weakness can be seen on a few curls and IBER of LIBERTY, although the letters are present, they are not as bold as the others on the headband. PCGS has graded 7 this high, and importantly none have been graded higher by that service! This one has been tucked away for a very long time, and it hasn't been auctioned in over 55 years (PCGS # 61203) .
Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600.
From the Benson collection and purchased from an auction circa 1944-46 lot 1102.
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| Realized
$2,185 |
Lot 1824 |
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1872 Pattern Silver Dollar. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-1206. Pollock-1346, R-7. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red & Brown. A gorgeous gem example of this highly coveted and extremely rare Amazonian pattern dollar in copper. The surfaces are splendid, without the usual hairlines or similar blemishes. Color wise, this one ranges from fiery copper to a slightly mellowed red. We do note a couple of ancient fingerprints in the fields, and these are now toned over, and a few trivial fly specks as well. Identifiable by a tiny spot on the rim just below the first star, and another on the left edge of the eagle's wing, and on the reverse by a trace of fingerprint below UN of UNITED in the field below.
Liberty and her abundance spill forth from her top, and Barber clearly took a pass on certain details, although the eagle, drapery and shield are rendered in a concise and exacting fashion. The design, although one of the most beautiful of all pattern issues, was likely seen as too militaristic, with Liberty holding a large sword, and shield nearby on the obverse. The reverse displays a regal eagle with wings outstretched, and another large shield as well as a clutch of arrows awaiting their aim. Perhaps the design was passed over because of the two eagles, shields and overall fine engraving which would likely have caused dies to wear out faster. Hindsight states that this Amazonian pattern is truly one of the most beautiful to find it's way into even limited production at the Mint, and the few examples known are always eagerly sought after by collectors. Perhaps 10 to 12 exist in copper, and few of these remain in gem grades.
PCGS has graded only 2 examples this high, with a single example higher as PR-66 RB. No red examples have been graded in any grade. An additional 2 coins have been graded as high as PR-65 BN by PCGS. Certainly one of the finest known of this issue, and worthy of the finest collection.
Estimated Value $35,000-UP.
Ex: Superior's Jascha Heifetz Sale, October 1989, lot 3301 at $50,600.
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| Realized
$40,250 |
Lot 1825 |
 |
1873 Pattern Trade Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-1322. Pollock-1465, Rarity-5. PCGS graded Proof 64. Deep lilac and blue gray toning evenly spread over the obverse and reverse. As to the strike, it is complete and full, with no signs of weakness on either side. Surface quality is nearly gem, with a single tick in the field midway between the second star and Liberty's knee, and this is old and toned over. We note a long lint mark around the fourth obverse star which will help identify this specimen, and it resides in PCGS holder #3606024. As to the rarity, PCGS reports 28 graded, and NGC another 18, which would likely place this as a solid Rarity-5, and we doubt if enough others are out there to push this into a Rarity-4 as suggested in the excellent Pollock reference. The population reports of the grading services certainly give us an excellent source for estimating populations of most coins. PCGS has graded 7 this high, with just 2 higher, making this one of the better examples known.
The obverse die is very similar to the regular issue, with the right tip of the base extended, the reverse with a much smaller eagle, but other design elements similar to the adopted design. Both dies by William Barber, and a very appealing design too (PCGS # 61608) .
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company's auction circa 1944-46 lot 1575.
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| Realized
$4,025 |
Lot 1826 |
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1878 Pattern Half Eagle. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-1576. Pollock-1769, High Rarity-6. PCGS graded Proof 66 Brown. A stunning pattern half eagle which is struck in copper, and unlike most of the others known, was not gilt. The surfaces are outstanding, resplendent beyond description, and the colors range from deep mahogany to blue and red. PCGS has only graded 2 of these, this particular coin which is clearly the finest they've seen, and one other as PR-63 Red. Most of the known examples of this pattern issue are tied up in foundations or national collections, and apparently off the market permanently. This specimen is very boldly struck throughout, with dies aligned properly at 180 degrees.
This pattern was designed by William Barber, the obverse head of Liberty facing left and wearing a large cap (not unlike the then new Morgan silver dollar), with a band inscribed LIBERTY. Her cap is ornamented with two wheat ears, and her hair curls cascade below her shoulders. Thirteen stars are arranged seven on the left and six on the right, and separated by the motto IN GOD WE TRUST at the top in tiny letters.
On the reverse, we completely agree with the description of this pattern issue given by the cataloger at Bowers and Merena in the Harry Bass, Jr., Sale Part I, May 7, 1999:1375, where the term "Ugly Eagle" was coined. The eagle's left wing (viewers right) is grossly disproportionate to its body, and the right wing is similarly too large. Even the branch is much too large compared with the size of the eagle, with leaves the apparent size of cucumbers. The upper arrowhead is not complete. Everything about this reverse shouts "rush job" that or is was engraved by a trainee. Needless to say, this design was not adopted for regular coinage (PCGS # 61940) .
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.
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| Realized
$16,675 |
Lot 1827 |
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1879 Pattern Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-1608. Pollock-1804, High Rarity-6. The "Schoolgirl" Garrett Coin. NGC graded Proof 65 Premium Quality. Clearly one of the finest known of this superbly executed pattern silver dollar by George T. Morgan. The obverse is toned with mottled gold and green near the borders while the reverse is toned a lilac hue with deeper gunmetal blue at the borders. Rather well struck for the issue, and similar to the Eliasberg coin, although it appears that this specimen may have a sharper strike on the eagle. The rarity of this pattern is on par with its beauty, NGC and PCGS have graded a combined 6 pieces, with the best grade awarded to 3 different coins as PF-65 by NGC. These include the Eliasberg example, the present coin, which is the Garrett example and one other specimen. Dr. Judd noted in his pattern book that some examples of J-1608 had been cleaned, greatly diminishing their value in todays sophisticated marketplace. Back to the NGC Population Report, another example is graded PF-64 by that service, for a total of 4 coins by that service. PCGS has only graded two specimens of J-1608, one as PR-62 and another as PR-63. This present specimen resides in an old NGC holder, and we wouldn't be surprised if it is graded higher in the future. Currently tied for the finest known with two others, this one boasts a better strike than the similarly graded Eliasberg specimen, and as such certainly has claims to the coveted status of Finest Known of this legendary pattern issue.
Given the certified population of this pattern is holding at a mere 6 coins, we feel that it may actually be a rarity-7 level, with fewer than a dozen known in all. Of course no records exist of the actual mintage, and we are limited to Population Reports, the detailed listing of specimens in the Pollock reference and the occasional auction appearance to provide census information.
As numismatic scholar Q. David Bowers said when he cataloged this coin in the Garrett Sale (3/80:1056) "Of all pattern silver dollar designs, the 'Schoolgirl' ranks high in the esteem of collectors." Later, when cataloging the Eliasberg coins for the May, 1996 sale Bowers states "Today the 1879 'Schoolgirl' dollar stands as what many consider to be the capstone of the United States pattern series or, at the very least, among the top several American coinage motifs." We and many others agree, the seductive beauty of this Schoolgirl pattern challenges the limits of the English language, and simply must be viewed to be fully appreciated by connoisseurs.
Mint Engraver George T. Morgan designed both the obverse and reverse dies for this pattern. For the obverse Morgan chose a youthful Victorian girl with solid features, a regal nose and chin, similar in appearance to the portrait of the lady on Morgan's silver dollar of 1878. She sports a ribbon in her hair, the top of the ribbon states LIBERTY, and the ribbon ends are tied loosely below her ears. Her hair is long and wavy, her only other adornment are pearls around her neck. This design seems to be unique to Morgan, although elements were borrowed from his new silver dollar of 1878, and other pattern issues from 1877 as well.
For the reverse, Morgan may have found inspiration from Titian Peale's drawings of a defiant eagle seen in The U.S. Mint and Coinage by Don Taxay on page 173 and pattern half dollar of 1839 by Christian Gobrecht. Morgan improved the design with a more stylized defiant eagle facing left, first seen in his half dollar pattern issued in 1877 (J-1512, P-1676). It is important to note that Morgan's reverse design was later employed on the 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Quarter eagle commemorative. It appears that the reverse design was likely the inspiration behind then Assistant Engraver's John R. Sinnock's 1918 Illinois Commemorative half dollar reverse as well, although no specific evidence has been located linking these aside from the similar pose of the eagle and position of his wings.
A foremost rarity in all grades, and seldom offered except when major collections are sold. This coin will no doubt become the centerpiece of a major pattern collection. Note that this particular coin has been auctioned only twice before, once in each century! If these auction appearances continue at this glacial pace, you may not get another chance to purchase this 'Schoolgirl' until 2101 or later!
Note: We have personally inspected the Eliasberg coin and the Garrett example we are offering is finer in grade.
Estimated Value $75,000-UP.
Ex: W. E. Woodward in August 18, 1883 (this coin was only 4 years old then!), next sold in Bowers & Ruddy's Garrett II Sale, 3/27/1980:1056 at $105,000.
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| Realized
$97,750 |
Lot 1828 |
 |
1879 Pattern Metric Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-1617. Pollock-1813, Rarity-3. PCGS graded Proof 63. Toned with a generous amount of irregular gray gold on both sides, and there appears to be a streak through the jaw line of Liberty's jaw which extends into the field near the fourth star, and this probably accounts for the grade. This has the appearance of a rubber band burn and small flecks of metal are missing from her chin area, or perhaps the planchet was defective. Boldly struck and generally well preserved otherwise, and we note some faint lines on Liberty's face from handling. PCGS has graded 9 as such, with 17 higher (PCGS # 61995) .
Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,700.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company circa 1944-46 as lot 1576.
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| Realized
$2,070 |
Lot 1829 |
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1879 Pattern Metric Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-1617. Pollock-1813. Rarity-3. PCGS graded Proof 62. This one is fairly dull from a long past wiping with a cloth, and hairlines are present on both sides. We also note a small scratch between the upper left obverse star and E to the rim. The devices are all sharply struck, and the coin has started to retone a bit. PCGS has graded 24 this high, with 26 graded higher (PCGS # 61995) .
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source circa 1944-46.
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$1,783 |
Lot 1830 |
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1879 Pattern Goloid Metric Dollar. Goloid, reeded edge. Judd-1626. Pollock-1822, Rarity-4. PCGS graded Proof 64. This popular pattern issue is apparently one of the early strikings and one of the scarce planchets which incorporated the following metals: gold 5.46%; silver 84.54% and copper 10%, as opposed to the more common lightweight silver/copper planchets. We are unable to weigh this particular coin as it has been graded, but given the sharp central strike, it is likely the original planchet with the gold content. Examination of the surfaces will find some light wipe lines and these probably account for the grade. The toning on this one is irregular, with areas of gold and cloudy gray too, while the centers are generally bright. The obverse design is by William Barber and depicts a lovely rendition of Liberty, with a broad headband inscribed LIBERTY, with a few stalks of wheat and cotton tucked into her hair. On the reverse the design is quite simple, the name of our country, 38 small stars in a circle, the planchet metal contents, GOLOID METRIC DOLLAR, 100 CENTS, and DEO EST GLORIA. PCGS has graded 7 this high, with 9 graded higher. Rare and always popular with collectors (PCGS # 62004) .
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed's auction of May 27, 1944 as lot 971 for $12.50.
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$2,645 |
Lot 1831 |
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1879 Pattern Goloid Metric Dollar. Goloid, reeded edge. Judd-1626. Pollock-1822. NGC graded Proof 62. Golden gray toning on both sides and pleasing to the eye. The moderate grade is likely the result of the usual hairlines in the fields. A popular and well designed pattern coin.
Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000.
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$2,300 |
Lot 1832 |
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1882 Pattern Five Cents. Nickel, plain edge. Judd-1684. Pollock-1886, Rarity-6. PCGS graded Proof 65. The planchet of this coin shows slight roughness, as made at the Mint. Bright and fresh, with no signs of toning aside from a hint of haze on the back of Liberty's head. A few very faint lines from handling. Excellent contrast between the reflective fields and frosty devices. About as nice as these are found, PCGS has graded 9 this high, with none graded higher and a total of just 20 in all grades (PCGS # 62089) .
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source circa 1944-46 as lot 350B.
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$3,450 |
Lot 1833 |
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1871. Extremely rare nickel and silver proof set struck in copper! Eight pieces, Three cent nickel through Seated dollar. This set includes the following coins, each of which grades PR-65 Red and Brown or better; Three cent silver J-1047, P-1181, R-7; Three cent nickel J-1045, P-1179, R-7, Shield nickel J-1056, P-1191, R-7; Seated half dime J-1071, P-1207, R-7; Seated dime J-1087, P-1223, R-7; Seated quarter J-1102, P-1238, R-7; Seated half dollar J-1117, P-1253, R-7; Seated silver dollar J-1151, P-1293, R-7. An extraordinary set which came to us from an old time collection. The coins are evenly matched and show faded red slowly toning over to brown. A few show minor specks, but all are highly appealing and extremely rare. Most of the individual coins are represented by one to three in the population reports, and it is likely that these are high rarity-7 coins with less than 5 known of each in copper. Certainly a magnificent pattern set and worthy of the finest collection. Lot of 8 coins.
Estimated Value $35,000-UP.
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| Realized
$83,375 |
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