1879 Pattern Washlady Half Dollar. Judd-1598, Pollock-1792. Rarity-6+. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). CAC. OGH.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. A wonderfully original Gem, both sides exhibit a handsome blend of rose-red color and glossy medium brown patina. Direct lighting calls forth modest semi-reflective tendencies from the fields, as well as iridescent salmon pink and blue-gray undertones. Sharply struck throughout with expectably smooth and attractive surfaces for the assigned grade. The copper counterpart to the silver pattern Washlady half dollar offered above, Judd-1598 is equally as rare with an extant population of only 12 to 15 pieces (per the website us.patterns.com).From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Ruddys) sale of the River Oaks Collection of United States Pattern Coins, November 1976, lot 986; New England Rare Coin Fund I, December 24, 1976; New England Rare Coin Auctions sale of the New England Rare Coin Fund I, April 1980 Metropolitan New York Sale, lot 389; Steve Ivys University Park Sale, March 1981, lot 1516; Superiors Jascha Heifetz Collection sale, October 1989, lot 3278; Superiors session of Auction 90, August 1990, lot 1427; Heritages A.N.A. Early Spring Auction of February-March 1991, lot 1404.
