Lot 1824
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 |
