1879 Pattern Washlady Dime. Judd-1585, Pollock-1778. Rarity-6+. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). OGH. <strong>Obv: </strong>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. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border and the date 1879 is below. <strong>Rev:</strong> A beaded circle encloses the denomination ONE DIME, outside of which is a wreath of wheat and cotton. The Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed within an ornamental cartouche above.<p>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.<p>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. Deep copper-brown surfaces are enhanced by a light overlay of cobalt-blue patina. Essentially mark-free, just a couple of tiny flecks are noted on this sharply defined example.
