1872 Pattern Amazonian Quarter Dollar. Judd-1195, Pollock-1335. Rarity-7-. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-64 (PCGS). OGH.Obv: Liberty is seated left with 13 stars around the border and the date 1872 below. Libertys right hand nearly rests on top of an eagles head, her left hand holds a sword and her left arm rests atop a shield. Rev: A spread wing eagle clutches a group of three arrows in its right talon and its left talon supports a shield. A scroll crossing the shield is inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is above and the denomination QUAR. DOL. is below. Of all pattern coins, the Amazonian issues are among the most desired. We offer a beautiful example of this popular and rarely available pattern. Soft blue grey and russet toning is gently mottled across both sides, while strong mirrors in the fields create a nice contrast to the frosty devices. Sharply struck and beautifully preserved, with a very pleasing appearance. While the toning has changed a little over time, this piece can be successfully plate matched to the January 1980 Robert Hughes auction, lot 39, and as far as we are aware, that was its last auction appearance. The "Amazonian" patterns designed by William Barber are highly prized by collectors and have long been counted among the most desirable pattern issues. They were struck in silver, copper and aluminum and in three denominations, the quarter, half dollar and dollar. Any appearance of one generates enthusiasm, while opportunities to acquire any of the denominations tend to be few and far between. According to the website <em>uspatterns.com</em>, the best source for updated research information on U.S. Patterns, there are perhaps only ten examples of this issue known in silver, the most prized of the metals in which they were struck. As noted, this one seems to have been off the market for many years, even decades, and it has been more than a decade since we last offered one for sale. Also noted on the <em>uspatterns.com</em> site is the conventional wisdom that the "Amazonian" name traces back to New York Stamp and Coins sale of the famed Lorin G. Parmelee Collection in 1890, cataloged by David Proskey. That extraordinary sale included a three-piece set of this issue in silver which brought $13.50, a princely sum for these pieces which were then just 18 years old. In the same sale, at lot 577, a 1776 Continental Dollar, E.G. FECIT, called "sharp, uncirc" sold for fifty cents less, putting this price record into better perspective. This Choice Proof pattern quarter represents an important opportunity for the pattern specialist.From the Collection of Carril Valparaiso. Earlier from Robert L. Hughes sale of the Phillip Warner Collection, January 1980, lot 39.
