1879 Pattern Washlady Half Dollar. Judd-1597, Pollock-1791. Rarity-6+. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-62 (PCGS). OGH--First Generation.Obv: Chief Engraver Charles E. Barbers Washlady or Society Lady motif with a left facing head of Liberty. Liberty is wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and ornamented with ears of wheat, cotton leaves and bolls. Thirteen stars are arranged around the border seven left, six right with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST above and the date 1879 below. Rev: An eagle with outstretched wings clutches an olive branch in its right talon and three long arrows in its left talon. The Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed in the field directly above the eagle, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is above the motto, and the denomination HALF DOLLAR is inscribed along the lower border. Lovely iridescent toning in vivid reddish-gold adorns the obverse and much of the reverse periphery, the obverse border further enhanced with splashes of powder blue. The finish is universally reflective, the strike sharp apart from minor softness to the central obverse high point and the high points of the eagle on the reverse. Far smoother in hand than one might expect for the assigned grade, and eagerly awaiting inclusion in another advanced pattern cabinet.The Washlady design is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful ever produced by the United States Mint and is one of the most eagerly sought patterns in todays market. At the time of their creation, however, the Washlady pieces were not held in as high esteem by contemporary collectors. The style of Libertys hair, in particular, was widely criticized in that it gave the portrait a somewhat disheveled appearance. David Proskey is credited with the Washlady name as an expression of contemporary ridicule for this design, its first known use coming as part of New York Stamp and Coins April 1891 sale of the F.W. Doughty Collection. The modern term Society Lady is a more elegant description for this motif, but examples of this type continue to be most widely known by their traditional name.The Washlady motif appears on pattern dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars of 1879, generally in either silver or copper, although unique white metal impressions are also known for the three largest denominations. Silver strikings of the Washlady half dollar, as here, are rare with just 12 to 15 examples known per the website uspatterns.com.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Earlier from Superiors February 3, 4, 5 1991 Sale, lot 1591. Lot tag included.
