1879 50C J-1598, BN PR(PCGS#61976)

The March 2012 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4231

等级

PR62

价格

79,700

详细说明

1879 Pattern Washlady Half Dollar. Judd-1598, Pollock-1792. Rarity-6+. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-62 BN (PCGS). CAC. Obverse is head of Liberty facing left, with hair coiled up and wearing a small crown inscribed LIBERTY with wheat and cotton inserted at the top. Above in tiny letters is IN GOD WE TRUST which is flanked by stars with date below. Reverse with a standing eagle with open wings, grasping a laurel branch in one claw, arrows in the other. Above reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM just below, at the base is HALF DOLLAR.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pleasing golden-tan to brown in color with the reflective nature of the fields intact and the frosted devices well preserved. The strike is sharp and the eye appeal strong depsite the modest grade. Scattered light specks and spots as well as faint hairlines account for the grade, but reasonably good eye appeal for this popular pattern issue.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The total known is between 13 and 16 pieces with the present example a fine representative of this rare issue. These designs really stand out, and giving them a special name like the "Washlady" makes them instantly recognizable and saleable. What's not to like? A beautiful pattern coin with great old toning and appeal.<br /> <br /> <strong>Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers</strong><br /> As I mentioned when I rewrote the Judd book on patterns, the term &ldquo;Washlady&rdquo; is quite in appropriate. Upon inspection Liberty is very elegantly coiffed. However, the &ldquo;Washlady&rdquo; name has stuck. This is part of a very nice series of different denominations from the dime to the dollar, all of which are very elusive.