My essay... (US patterns)
Dennis88
Posts: 5,797 ✭✭✭
There are unfortanly no pics included, but this is better than nothing...........
Unfortanly, I still don't have my prize!!!
___________________________________
United States Patterns
A beginners guide
An Overview
Patterns, or essais are coins struck to show and test a new coin design. Most of the time they are minted as proofs, with only a few exceptions. This has some advantages. To show this, here are two semi-modern and modern coins to show the differences
1.Modern Proof coin 2.Semi-modern business strike
As you can see, the proof coin is much more brilliant and has stronger mirrors than the business strike (which is intended to circulate). But because patterns are not intended to circulate, but to show the artist’s work, they are most of the time struck as proofs.
There are also experimental pieces. These are coins struck to test a new metal or alloy. These were often, but not always struck from pattern dies. A modern example of an experimental piece is the 1974 cent struck in aluminum.
Other coins which are not minted for circulation are:
· Mint restrikes (a coin with another date than when it was minted and which is most of the time sold for a profit by mint officials
· Fantasy restrikes (coins with an obverse and reverse combination never used before)
· Mules (coins struck with a mismatched obverse and reverse. A modern example is a Sacagewea dollar obverse with a state quarter reverse)
· Off-metal strikes (regular circulation coins struck in another metal. For example a double eagle struck in copper)
(There exist other kinds, but I don’t describe those here)
Most of the patterns are very rare. There is a rarity rating which is based on how much coins actually survived. It is made by William H. Sheldon,and goes from R-1 to unique. R-1 is the most common, with more than 1250 pieces known to exist. Unique is a coin where only one is known. Here is a somewhat modified rarity rating scale:
Unique
R 8, 2 to 3
R 7 (High) 4 - 6, (Low) 7 - 12
R 6, (High) 13 -20, (Low) 21 -30
R 5, 31 - 75
R 4, 76 - 200
R 3, 201 - 500
R 2, 501 - 1250
R 1, Over 1250
The original (historical) Sheldon scale is the following:
Unique
R 8, 2 to 3
R 7, 4-12
R 6, 13-30
R 5, 31-75
R 4, 76 - 200
R 3, 201 - 500
R 2, 501 - 1250
R 1, Over 1250
Most US patterns are R6 to R8, with a few exceptions, like
J-180, the 1856 flying eagle cent. It has a rarity rating of R2 in the 8th editon of the Judd book, but the coin is expensive because it is listed in “the Red Book”, so it is most of the time collected as a regular issue. If the coin weren’t listed there, it would be much cheaper.
This rarity scale is used by most people, including Judd and Pollock. They wrote the standard reference books on United States Patterns. Those books are a must have for someone who is interested in patterns. They describe nearly (if not all) patterns known. Most dealers use J-numbers (Judd) and
P-numbers (Pollock), so if you’re planning to buy a pattern, “first buy the books and then the coin (pattern)”.
Another “must have”, but not so much as the previous two books is “United States Pattern, Trial and Experimental Pieces” by Edgar Adams and William Woodin, first published in 1913. This was the standard book until 1959, when the Judd book came out.
There are also other very useful books, but as a beginning collector you don’t have to buy those.
The nicest US patterns
According to most pattern collectors and people who “just like them” (I’m one of those), there are four pattern designs which qualify for the “nicest”. These are known as “the big four” (in no particular order):
-Washlady, struck as a dime, quarter, half and dollar;
-Amazonian, struck as a quarter, half and dollar;
-Shield Earring, struck as a quarter, half and dollar;
-Schoolgirl, struck only as a dollar.
The Schoolgirl Dollar
This design, according to a lot of people, is one of the nicest designs struck in the United States. It is known in three metals, silver(J1608/P1804) , copper(J1609/P1805) and white metal (probably lead)(J1610/P1804), and was struck in 1879.
The white metal example is the most rare, with currently only 1 known to exist. The coin’s last appearance was in the Crouch-Superior sale, 6/77.
The copper one is more “common”, with about 10 pieces known. The highest graded example is a NGC Proof-68 Red, which is currently in the collection of Rick Kay. It’s one of the most stunning coins on earth (in my opinion):
3.Judd-1609
From the silver version there are about 12 known. 9 Of them are in the open market, so, with the money it should be available. They come for sale every 5 years or so. It shows the design more sharply than the copper specimens, but is harder to get in really high Proof grades. The coin shown below is also in the collection of Rick Kay:
4.Judd-1608
The J-1610, which is struck in lead, is a coin with a lot of problems. It was mentioned in the Gilhousen sale of 10/73 as “weakly struck and flaking due to exposure to cold”.
The Schoolgirl design was designed by George Morgan. When one of the Schoolgirl dollars was auctioned in 1999, Bowers & Ruddy suggested in the Harry Bass catalog that George Morgan may have designed this pattern as a reaction to the continuing discussions that the Morgan Dollar he designed needed to be improved. It might be also the case that he designed the Schoolgirl Dollar to show his talents to become chief engraver upon the death of William Barber, which was one of his dreams. Both explanations are plausible.
The obverse shows a very pretty young woman wearing a string of beads around her neck and a hair ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, with her hair loosely tied with a ribbon behind her head and strands falling on her shoulders. The reverse also shows on one of Morgan’s 1877 half dollar pattern designs (Judd 1512 and 1513). It was used on a circulating coin when the 1915-S Panama-Pacific International Exposition commemorative gold $2.50 was minted.
The coin is listed in the book “100 Greatest U.S. Coins" written by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth. Both Silver and Copper coins are R6, and the Lead piece is unique.
As said, the coin might have been created because the new Morgan Dollar, released in 1878 wasn’t nice enough. The total “series” of candidates for a coin to replace the Morgan dollar with a nicer coin consist of 6 different designs, with the following Judd numbers:
J-1603 (these three are from
J-1604 Charles E. Barber’s popular
J-1604a Washlady design, discussed below)
J-1605
J-1606
J-1607
J-1608 (This is
J-1609 the Schoolgirl
J-1610 Dollar)
J-1611
J-1612
J-1613
J-1614
J-1615
J-1616
The last three designs share the Morgan Silver Dollar obverse, but each carries a different reverse. For example, here is a picture of J-1612:
5.J-1612
The Washlady designs
In 1879, the first attempts since 1872 were made to create a uniform US coinage. There was one set submitted by Morgan, and the other by William Barber or Charles Barber. Specialists are not sure who designed it, Don Taxay says the design is by William Barber whereas Judd says it is by Charles Barber. Morgan used partly the design of his then already circulating new dollar coin (the popular Morgan dollar), and Barber used a complete new design, called “the Washlady”.
The Washlady consists of the following denominations and Judd numbers:
1. Dime. Judd numbers 1584 (silver) and 1585 (copper)
2. Quarter Dollar. Judd numbers 1590 (silver) 1591 (copper) and 1592 (white metal)
3. Half Dollar. Judd numbers 1597 (silver) 1598 (copper) and 1598a (white metal)
4. Silver Dollar. Judd numbers 1603 (silver) 1604 (copper) and 1604a (white metal)
On the obverse, all denominations show the “Washlady”. There are some slight differences:
· On the dime the head is surrounded by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” with the date below.
· On the quarter, half and dollar, there is “IN GOD WE TRUST” above the head, seven stars to the left, six stars to the right and the date below.
The reverse of the dime is different from those on the other issues:
· The dime shows, at the center, a circle of beads or dots enclosing ONE / DIME around which is an open wreath of wheat and cotton, with E PLURIBUS UNUM in a cartouche above.
· On all the other denominations, the reverse shows a perched eagle holding an olive branch and three arrows (passing behind the wing). E PLURIBUS UNUM is in arc above. Around the border is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / QUAR DOLLAR on the quarter, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA /HALF DOLLAR on the half and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE DOLLAR on the silver dollar.
6.Judd-1590
7.Judd-1598
All Washlady patterns have a Reeded Edge, except J-1592, which has a Plain Edge.
The coins have the following rarity ratings (Judd):
J-1584 Low R6 J-1585 High R6
J-1590 High R6 J-1591 Low R7 J-1592 Unique
J-1597 High R6 J-1598 High R6 J-1598a Unique
J-1603 High R6 J-1604 High R6 J-1604a Unique
As you can see, all the patterns struck in white metal are unique, others R6 or R7.
The Shield Earring designs
These designs were struck in 1882 for a new try to standardize US coinage. From this design were the Quarter, Half and Dollar, all in silver and copper. The Judd numbers and rarity ratings are the following:
J-1698, Quarter Dollar (Silver) Low R7
J-1699, Quarter Dollar (Copper) High R7
J-1700, Half Dollar (Silver) Low R7
J-1701, Half Dollar (Copper) High R7
J-1702, Silver Dollar (Silver) Low R7
J-1703, Silver Dollar (Copper) High R7
As you can see, the copper strikings are somewhat scarcer then the silvers. You can’t see this in the price, because the copper Patterns are about 10% cheaper then the Silvers. The explanation for this is that most collectors want a silver striking because that is also the metal in which the “normal” coins were minted in.
According to Judd, the design shows the following:
Obverse:
· George T. Morgan’s Shield Earring design, Liberty faces to the right and wears a band inscribed LIBERTY, compressing the back part of her hair. A shield-shaped ornament dangles from her earlobe, creating the nickname for this pattern. E PLURIBUS UNUM above, seven stars to the left, and six to the right, with the date 1882 below.
Reverse:
· A boldly defiant perched eagle, wings uplifted, facing to the right, and holding in its talons an olive branch and arrows. Around the border, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / QUARTER DOLLAR / HALF DOLLAR / ONE DOLLAR.
8.Judd-1702
All three patterns of this design have a Reeded Edge.
The Amazonian designs
These designs were struck in 1872 and are considered to be the nicest design Barber made. They were struck as Quarters, Halves and Dollars, in 3 different metals (silver, copper and aluminum).
The obverse is, in my opinion, really nice. It shows, according to the Judd book, the following:
· William Barber’s Amazonian design, Liberty seated facing left, with her right hand touching the head of a perched eagle, her left arm resting on a shield and her hand holding a sword.
The reverse shows the following:
· Barber’s standing eagle with talons holding shield inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / QUAR. DOL. / HALF DOL. / ONE DOL.
The coins have the following Judd numbers, were struck in these metals and have the following rarity rating:
· Quarter Dollar-low R7 in Silver (J-1195), low R7 in Copper (J-1196) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1197)
· Half Dollar-Low R7 in Silver (J-1200), low R7 in Copper (J-1201) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1202)
· Silver Dollar-Low R7 in Silver (J-1205), low R7 in Copper (J-1206) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1207)
9.Judd-1195
10.Judd-1196
11.Judd-1197
12.Judd-1200
13.Judd-1201
14.Judd-1202
15.Judd-1205
16.Judd-1206
17.Judd-1207
As you can see in the pictures, there are some differences in the striking of some coins. An example is Judd-1201, as most of these show a flattened dentil on the obverse at 12:00 from something adhering to the die. There are also some flat points on other coins, not due to wear, but because of the minting process. I’ve included all the pictures to show the differences.
The reverse design is also used on a series of gold patterns struck in the same year. That set included the following denominations:
· $2.50-Unique in Gold (J-1230), low R7 in Copper (J-1231) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1232)
· $3.00-Unique in Gold (J-1235), high R6 in Copper (J-1236) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1237) These are the only patterns of this denomination
· $5.00-Unique in Gold (J-1240), low R7 in Copper (J-1241) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1242)
· $10.00-Unique in Gold (J-1245), low R7 in Copper (J-1246) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1247)
· $20.00-Unique in Gold (J-1250), low R7 in Copper (J-1251) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1252)
All these coins have a reeded edge.
A fantastic series
I’m going to give in this part, a complete list of a fantastic series of pattern designs, the 1858 small cent series.
1858 Small Cent Patterns
In 1858, there were votes that the design of the cent should be replaced. Although the then current design (the flying eagle) was very nice, there were some problems with it. It was only a few years in circulation, but in time, it was learned that deep parts of the obverse die, particularly the head and tail of the eagle, were opposite in the coining press from deep parts of the reverse die, specifically the wreath. As a result, the features of the eagle were often lightly struck up.
As a result, a 12-piece pattern set was made. With every Judd number in it (also other mulings not included in the set) there are 31 patterns with obverse/reverse dies and two with obverse/obverse dies. Because there are seven unique varieties, and one which is unconfirmed, most collectors only assemble the 12 piece set, which consists of the following Judd numbers:
Judd-191 Judd-206
Judd-192 Judd-208
Judd-193 Judd-211
Judd-202 Judd-212
Judd-203 Judd-213
Judd-204 And the regular proof 1858 Flying Eagle cent
The 12 piece set use the following obverse dies:
(Judd numbers used)
· Die 5-Regular die, Flying Eagle (Small Letters)
· Die 6-Small Flying Eagle
· Die 8-Indian Head
And four reverse dies:
(Judd numbers used)
· Die A-Regular die, agricultural wreath
· Die B-Oak wreath
· Die C-Oak wreath with ornamented shield
· Die D-Laurel wreath
Every obverse is paired with every reverse, creating the following 12 patterns:
Dies 5-A
This is the regular 1858 Flying Eagle cent, struck as proofs. Stacks 2/78 Goshen sale and possibly Eliasberg's have had this piece replaced with a die trial in nickel, Judd 217a. Judd 217 is this design struck in pure copper, and is a R8.
Dies 5-B
Judd-192. The coin has a regular Flying Eagle obverse, combined with an Oak Wreath reverse. This coin is an R5, with less than 40 graded by NGC and PCGS.
18.Judd-192
Dies 5-C
There are three Judd numbers assigned for this die marriage. Judd-193, which is the “normal” coin, struck in Copper-Nickel, R5. Judd-194 is also struck in Copper-Nickel, but on a broad planchet. That coin is unique. Judd-195 is struck in pure Copper, which is also unique. The coin’s last appearance on an auction was Kosoff, 8/1966. It wasn’t graded, and sold for $1200, which was quite a lot at that time for a coin that was hard to recognize with the naked eye.
19.Judd-193
Dies 5-D
This coin, Judd-191, is a transitional issue, with the obverse of a Flying Eagle dated 1858, and the reverse as adopted in 1859 (Laurel Wreath). It is also a R5, with around 45 certified by PCGS and NGC.
20.Judd-191
Dies 6-A
Judd-206, struck in Copper-Nickel, shows the Small Flying Eagle on the obverse and the reverse is a regular die with agricultural wreath. The coin is R5, with around 45 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. Judd-207, is the same coin, but struck in pure Copper, and is a R8, with two pieces certified. This design is also known in Nickel, which is a R8 with again two pieces certified. The last two are much more rare, but specialized pattern collectors only have to pay double the price for a Copper-Nickel specimen, if he or she can find it.
Dies 6-B
Judd-203, only known in Copper-Nickel, is also a R5, with less than 40 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. The coin shows a small Flying Eagle on the obverse, and on the reverse a Oak wreath. This pattern is, in my opinion the nicest with the Small Flying Eagle obverse.
21.Judd-203
Dies 6-C
This design, which is known in two different metals, shows the Small Flying Eagle on the obverse, and a Oak wreath with ornamented shield on the reverse. Judd-204 is struck in Copper Nickel, and is a rarity rating of R5, but in my opinion this is wrong. There are more than 70 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC, and I’m sure that there are some raw ones out there. It would qualify it as a R4. Judd-205 is the same coin, but struck in pure Copper. It’s a R8, with three pieces certified by PCGS and NGC.
22.Judd-205
Dies 6-D
Judd-202 is only struck in Copper Nickel. The coin has a small Flying Eagle obverse, combined with a Laurel wreath reverse. The coin is a R5 with about 60 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. From this coin there are several reverse die varieties, so there must have been more dies used to strike this pattern. That doesn’t happen that often, because most patterns have an extremely low mintage.
23.Judd-202
Dies 8-A
This pattern, only struck in Copper-Nickel and known as Judd-213, is listed in the Judd book as a R5, with about 50 pieces certified. On the obverse is an Indian Head, and on the reverse is the regular die with agricultural wreath. This is a transitional issue, with the obverse as adopted in 1859, and the reverse die as used in 1858. There were several die pairs used, as there exist some obverse varieties. Reverse varieties include high leaves, which is rare, and low leaves.
Dies 8-B
This pattern, with die-marriage 8-C is R4. This design shows an Indian Head on the obverse, and an Oak wreath on the reverse, and is known as Judd-211. There are only about 70 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC, but there are a lot raw pieces on the open market. There were several obverse dies used, as there are some varieties.
Dies 8-C
Another R4, with around 125 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC is the J-212. This pattern shows an Indian head on the obverse, and an Oak wreath with ornamented shield on the reverse. There were again several obverse dies used, because there are some varieties. It is the second most common of all 1858 small cent patterns used in the set.
Dies 8-D
Struck in three different metals, the one struck in Copper-Nickel, Judd-208, is by far the most common. It shows an Indian Head on the obverse, and the Laurel wreath on the reverse. This is also a transitional issue, using the same obverse and reverse as used in 1859. It is a very popular pattern, which seems to have been struck over a long period of time. The coin is a R1, but there are only 200 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC, so that keeps the price strong. Judd-209 is struck in pure Copper and is a R8, with two pieces certified. Judd-210 is struck in Bronze and is unique. This coin was in the 7/1997 Heritage sale, where it sold for $4082. The coin now resides in a PCGS Pr64 holder.
All these coins have a plain edge, as do regular issue small cents.
This set was sold to collectors for an unknown price. There are also restrikes, but they are (almost) impossible to recognize as restrikes. The only way to be sure that you have a complete original set is buying sets which were bought directly from the mint, for example the Eliasberg set.
In the same year, there were also some other small cent patterns, but these were not sold to collectors in the set discussed above. These share the following obverses:
· Die 1- Large Flying Eagle, but without inscription or date.
· Die 2- Regular (large) Flying Eagle, Large Letters with inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” but with no date.
· Die 3- Regular (large) Flying Eagle, Small Letters with inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” but with no date.
· Die 4-Regular (large) Flying Eagle, Large Letters with inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and date.
· Die 7-Indian Head, but no date. UNITED STATES to the left, OF AMERICA to the right.
The reverses are the same as above.
With these obverse dies, the following patterns are known:
Dies 1-2
This unique pattern (Judd-219) shows a Large Flying Eagle in a plain field on the obverse, and the reverse is actually an obverse die, the large Flying Eagle, Large Letters but with no date. This pattern is now in a PCGS Proof-62 holder, and the coin was last sold in the Stack’s sale, 5/1997. It sold for $11,500. This coin is a fantasy piece.
Dies 2-A
Judd-201 is a unique pattern, showing a Large Flying Eagle, with Large Letters on the obverse, but no date. The obverse is a regular die with agricultural wreath. The coin’s last appearance in an auction was Bebee’s 8/1955 were it sold for $365.
Dies 3-B
This pattern (Judd-200) is unconfirmed. The coin should show a Flying Eagle with small letters but no date on the obverse, and an Oak wreath one the reverse. As said, this die combination is unconfirmed.
Dies 4-A
Judd-218 and 218a show the large Flying Eagle on the obverse with large letters, and on the reverse a regular die with agricultural wreath. Judd-218 is struck in Copper-Nickel and a R8, Judd-218a is also a R8 but struck in Nickel.
Dies 4-B
Judd-197 shows the Large Flying Eagle with Large letters on the obverse, and an Oak wreath on the reverse. This coin is a high R7, with three pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. The last time one of these was sold was in the 1/1987 NASCA sale, where it was graded Proof-60 and sold for $425.
Dies 4-C
This pattern shows again the Large Flying Eagle with Large Letters on the obverse and an Oak wreath with ornamented shield on the reverse. Judd-198 is a low R6, with 19 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. Judd-199 is struck on a Copper-Nickel broad planchet, and is a high R7, with one piece certified by PCGS.
Dies 4-D
This is a transitional issue, with the obverse of 1858, showing the Large Flying Eagle with Large Letters, and the reverse as adopted in 1859, showing the Laurel wreath. This pattern (Judd-196) is unique, and the coin was last sold in the 2/1989 Heritage sale, where it was graded as Proof-65 and sold for $975.
Dies 6-8
A unique pattern with two obverse dies is Judd-220. The coin shows the Small Flying Eagle on the obverse, and on the other obverse (reverse) it shows an Indian Head. The coin was never sold on an auction.
Dies 7-C
Judd-216 is a R8 pattern, with one certified by PCGS and NGC. The coin shows an Indian Head with no date on the obverse and an Oak wreath with ornamented shield on the reverse. The last time one of them appeared on an auction was in the 6/1982 Bowers & Ruddy sale, where it sold for $1500.
Dies 7-D
This pattern is struck in Copper-Nickel (Judd-214) and is an R8, and in pure Copper (Judd-215) which is also a R8. The design shows an Indian Head with no date on the obverse and a Laurel wreath on the reverse. Both coins very occasionally come up for auction.
Conclusion
Studying patterns is a great way to see how US coinage changed over the years. The collector who has time to study them will learn a lot from US history, and will have one of the greatest hobbies on earth!!!
Sources
Books:
· J. Hewitt Judd, M.D. (edited by Q. David Bowers)
United States PATTERN COINS Experimental and trail pieces.
Atlanta, GA
Whitman Publishing, LLC
1st editon 1953, 8th complete revised edition 2003
· R.S Yeoman, (edited by Kenneth Bresse)
A guide book of UNITED STATES COINS
New York, NY
Whitman Publishing, LLC
1st editon 1947, 8th complete revised editon 2003
Websites:
· http://www.uspatterns.com (last visited 4-18-2004)
· http://www.coinfacts.com (last vistied 4-16-2004)
Pictures:
1. Own Collection
2. Own Collection
3. Rick Kay
4. Rick Kay
5. Rick Kay
6. Rick Kay
7. Rick Kay
8. Rick Kay
9. Saul Teichman
10. Saul Teichman
11. Saul Teichman
12. Saul Teichman
13. Saul Teichman
14. Saul Teichman
15. Saul Teichman
16. Saul Teichman
17. Saul Teichman
18. Lakesammman
19. Lakesammman
20. Lakesammman
21. Lakesammman
22. Lakesammman
23. Lakesammman
Thank to the above people for using me their pictures. Also thanks to boiler78, who helped me with some questions I had.
Dennis Hengeveld
“Dennis88”
Unfortanly, I still don't have my prize!!!
___________________________________
United States Patterns
A beginners guide
An Overview
Patterns, or essais are coins struck to show and test a new coin design. Most of the time they are minted as proofs, with only a few exceptions. This has some advantages. To show this, here are two semi-modern and modern coins to show the differences
1.Modern Proof coin 2.Semi-modern business strike
As you can see, the proof coin is much more brilliant and has stronger mirrors than the business strike (which is intended to circulate). But because patterns are not intended to circulate, but to show the artist’s work, they are most of the time struck as proofs.
There are also experimental pieces. These are coins struck to test a new metal or alloy. These were often, but not always struck from pattern dies. A modern example of an experimental piece is the 1974 cent struck in aluminum.
Other coins which are not minted for circulation are:
· Mint restrikes (a coin with another date than when it was minted and which is most of the time sold for a profit by mint officials
· Fantasy restrikes (coins with an obverse and reverse combination never used before)
· Mules (coins struck with a mismatched obverse and reverse. A modern example is a Sacagewea dollar obverse with a state quarter reverse)
· Off-metal strikes (regular circulation coins struck in another metal. For example a double eagle struck in copper)
(There exist other kinds, but I don’t describe those here)
Most of the patterns are very rare. There is a rarity rating which is based on how much coins actually survived. It is made by William H. Sheldon,and goes from R-1 to unique. R-1 is the most common, with more than 1250 pieces known to exist. Unique is a coin where only one is known. Here is a somewhat modified rarity rating scale:
Unique
R 8, 2 to 3
R 7 (High) 4 - 6, (Low) 7 - 12
R 6, (High) 13 -20, (Low) 21 -30
R 5, 31 - 75
R 4, 76 - 200
R 3, 201 - 500
R 2, 501 - 1250
R 1, Over 1250
The original (historical) Sheldon scale is the following:
Unique
R 8, 2 to 3
R 7, 4-12
R 6, 13-30
R 5, 31-75
R 4, 76 - 200
R 3, 201 - 500
R 2, 501 - 1250
R 1, Over 1250
Most US patterns are R6 to R8, with a few exceptions, like
J-180, the 1856 flying eagle cent. It has a rarity rating of R2 in the 8th editon of the Judd book, but the coin is expensive because it is listed in “the Red Book”, so it is most of the time collected as a regular issue. If the coin weren’t listed there, it would be much cheaper.
This rarity scale is used by most people, including Judd and Pollock. They wrote the standard reference books on United States Patterns. Those books are a must have for someone who is interested in patterns. They describe nearly (if not all) patterns known. Most dealers use J-numbers (Judd) and
P-numbers (Pollock), so if you’re planning to buy a pattern, “first buy the books and then the coin (pattern)”.
Another “must have”, but not so much as the previous two books is “United States Pattern, Trial and Experimental Pieces” by Edgar Adams and William Woodin, first published in 1913. This was the standard book until 1959, when the Judd book came out.
There are also other very useful books, but as a beginning collector you don’t have to buy those.
The nicest US patterns
According to most pattern collectors and people who “just like them” (I’m one of those), there are four pattern designs which qualify for the “nicest”. These are known as “the big four” (in no particular order):
-Washlady, struck as a dime, quarter, half and dollar;
-Amazonian, struck as a quarter, half and dollar;
-Shield Earring, struck as a quarter, half and dollar;
-Schoolgirl, struck only as a dollar.
The Schoolgirl Dollar
This design, according to a lot of people, is one of the nicest designs struck in the United States. It is known in three metals, silver(J1608/P1804) , copper(J1609/P1805) and white metal (probably lead)(J1610/P1804), and was struck in 1879.
The white metal example is the most rare, with currently only 1 known to exist. The coin’s last appearance was in the Crouch-Superior sale, 6/77.
The copper one is more “common”, with about 10 pieces known. The highest graded example is a NGC Proof-68 Red, which is currently in the collection of Rick Kay. It’s one of the most stunning coins on earth (in my opinion):
3.Judd-1609
From the silver version there are about 12 known. 9 Of them are in the open market, so, with the money it should be available. They come for sale every 5 years or so. It shows the design more sharply than the copper specimens, but is harder to get in really high Proof grades. The coin shown below is also in the collection of Rick Kay:
4.Judd-1608
The J-1610, which is struck in lead, is a coin with a lot of problems. It was mentioned in the Gilhousen sale of 10/73 as “weakly struck and flaking due to exposure to cold”.
The Schoolgirl design was designed by George Morgan. When one of the Schoolgirl dollars was auctioned in 1999, Bowers & Ruddy suggested in the Harry Bass catalog that George Morgan may have designed this pattern as a reaction to the continuing discussions that the Morgan Dollar he designed needed to be improved. It might be also the case that he designed the Schoolgirl Dollar to show his talents to become chief engraver upon the death of William Barber, which was one of his dreams. Both explanations are plausible.
The obverse shows a very pretty young woman wearing a string of beads around her neck and a hair ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, with her hair loosely tied with a ribbon behind her head and strands falling on her shoulders. The reverse also shows on one of Morgan’s 1877 half dollar pattern designs (Judd 1512 and 1513). It was used on a circulating coin when the 1915-S Panama-Pacific International Exposition commemorative gold $2.50 was minted.
The coin is listed in the book “100 Greatest U.S. Coins" written by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth. Both Silver and Copper coins are R6, and the Lead piece is unique.
As said, the coin might have been created because the new Morgan Dollar, released in 1878 wasn’t nice enough. The total “series” of candidates for a coin to replace the Morgan dollar with a nicer coin consist of 6 different designs, with the following Judd numbers:
J-1603 (these three are from
J-1604 Charles E. Barber’s popular
J-1604a Washlady design, discussed below)
J-1605
J-1606
J-1607
J-1608 (This is
J-1609 the Schoolgirl
J-1610 Dollar)
J-1611
J-1612
J-1613
J-1614
J-1615
J-1616
The last three designs share the Morgan Silver Dollar obverse, but each carries a different reverse. For example, here is a picture of J-1612:
5.J-1612
The Washlady designs
In 1879, the first attempts since 1872 were made to create a uniform US coinage. There was one set submitted by Morgan, and the other by William Barber or Charles Barber. Specialists are not sure who designed it, Don Taxay says the design is by William Barber whereas Judd says it is by Charles Barber. Morgan used partly the design of his then already circulating new dollar coin (the popular Morgan dollar), and Barber used a complete new design, called “the Washlady”.
The Washlady consists of the following denominations and Judd numbers:
1. Dime. Judd numbers 1584 (silver) and 1585 (copper)
2. Quarter Dollar. Judd numbers 1590 (silver) 1591 (copper) and 1592 (white metal)
3. Half Dollar. Judd numbers 1597 (silver) 1598 (copper) and 1598a (white metal)
4. Silver Dollar. Judd numbers 1603 (silver) 1604 (copper) and 1604a (white metal)
On the obverse, all denominations show the “Washlady”. There are some slight differences:
· On the dime the head is surrounded by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” with the date below.
· On the quarter, half and dollar, there is “IN GOD WE TRUST” above the head, seven stars to the left, six stars to the right and the date below.
The reverse of the dime is different from those on the other issues:
· The dime shows, at the center, a circle of beads or dots enclosing ONE / DIME around which is an open wreath of wheat and cotton, with E PLURIBUS UNUM in a cartouche above.
· On all the other denominations, the reverse shows a perched eagle holding an olive branch and three arrows (passing behind the wing). E PLURIBUS UNUM is in arc above. Around the border is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / QUAR DOLLAR on the quarter, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA /HALF DOLLAR on the half and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE DOLLAR on the silver dollar.
6.Judd-1590
7.Judd-1598
All Washlady patterns have a Reeded Edge, except J-1592, which has a Plain Edge.
The coins have the following rarity ratings (Judd):
J-1584 Low R6 J-1585 High R6
J-1590 High R6 J-1591 Low R7 J-1592 Unique
J-1597 High R6 J-1598 High R6 J-1598a Unique
J-1603 High R6 J-1604 High R6 J-1604a Unique
As you can see, all the patterns struck in white metal are unique, others R6 or R7.
The Shield Earring designs
These designs were struck in 1882 for a new try to standardize US coinage. From this design were the Quarter, Half and Dollar, all in silver and copper. The Judd numbers and rarity ratings are the following:
J-1698, Quarter Dollar (Silver) Low R7
J-1699, Quarter Dollar (Copper) High R7
J-1700, Half Dollar (Silver) Low R7
J-1701, Half Dollar (Copper) High R7
J-1702, Silver Dollar (Silver) Low R7
J-1703, Silver Dollar (Copper) High R7
As you can see, the copper strikings are somewhat scarcer then the silvers. You can’t see this in the price, because the copper Patterns are about 10% cheaper then the Silvers. The explanation for this is that most collectors want a silver striking because that is also the metal in which the “normal” coins were minted in.
According to Judd, the design shows the following:
Obverse:
· George T. Morgan’s Shield Earring design, Liberty faces to the right and wears a band inscribed LIBERTY, compressing the back part of her hair. A shield-shaped ornament dangles from her earlobe, creating the nickname for this pattern. E PLURIBUS UNUM above, seven stars to the left, and six to the right, with the date 1882 below.
Reverse:
· A boldly defiant perched eagle, wings uplifted, facing to the right, and holding in its talons an olive branch and arrows. Around the border, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / QUARTER DOLLAR / HALF DOLLAR / ONE DOLLAR.
8.Judd-1702
All three patterns of this design have a Reeded Edge.
The Amazonian designs
These designs were struck in 1872 and are considered to be the nicest design Barber made. They were struck as Quarters, Halves and Dollars, in 3 different metals (silver, copper and aluminum).
The obverse is, in my opinion, really nice. It shows, according to the Judd book, the following:
· William Barber’s Amazonian design, Liberty seated facing left, with her right hand touching the head of a perched eagle, her left arm resting on a shield and her hand holding a sword.
The reverse shows the following:
· Barber’s standing eagle with talons holding shield inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / QUAR. DOL. / HALF DOL. / ONE DOL.
The coins have the following Judd numbers, were struck in these metals and have the following rarity rating:
· Quarter Dollar-low R7 in Silver (J-1195), low R7 in Copper (J-1196) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1197)
· Half Dollar-Low R7 in Silver (J-1200), low R7 in Copper (J-1201) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1202)
· Silver Dollar-Low R7 in Silver (J-1205), low R7 in Copper (J-1206) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1207)
9.Judd-1195
10.Judd-1196
11.Judd-1197
12.Judd-1200
13.Judd-1201
14.Judd-1202
15.Judd-1205
16.Judd-1206
17.Judd-1207
As you can see in the pictures, there are some differences in the striking of some coins. An example is Judd-1201, as most of these show a flattened dentil on the obverse at 12:00 from something adhering to the die. There are also some flat points on other coins, not due to wear, but because of the minting process. I’ve included all the pictures to show the differences.
The reverse design is also used on a series of gold patterns struck in the same year. That set included the following denominations:
· $2.50-Unique in Gold (J-1230), low R7 in Copper (J-1231) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1232)
· $3.00-Unique in Gold (J-1235), high R6 in Copper (J-1236) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1237) These are the only patterns of this denomination
· $5.00-Unique in Gold (J-1240), low R7 in Copper (J-1241) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1242)
· $10.00-Unique in Gold (J-1245), low R7 in Copper (J-1246) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1247)
· $20.00-Unique in Gold (J-1250), low R7 in Copper (J-1251) and R8 in Aluminum (J-1252)
All these coins have a reeded edge.
A fantastic series
I’m going to give in this part, a complete list of a fantastic series of pattern designs, the 1858 small cent series.
1858 Small Cent Patterns
In 1858, there were votes that the design of the cent should be replaced. Although the then current design (the flying eagle) was very nice, there were some problems with it. It was only a few years in circulation, but in time, it was learned that deep parts of the obverse die, particularly the head and tail of the eagle, were opposite in the coining press from deep parts of the reverse die, specifically the wreath. As a result, the features of the eagle were often lightly struck up.
As a result, a 12-piece pattern set was made. With every Judd number in it (also other mulings not included in the set) there are 31 patterns with obverse/reverse dies and two with obverse/obverse dies. Because there are seven unique varieties, and one which is unconfirmed, most collectors only assemble the 12 piece set, which consists of the following Judd numbers:
Judd-191 Judd-206
Judd-192 Judd-208
Judd-193 Judd-211
Judd-202 Judd-212
Judd-203 Judd-213
Judd-204 And the regular proof 1858 Flying Eagle cent
The 12 piece set use the following obverse dies:
(Judd numbers used)
· Die 5-Regular die, Flying Eagle (Small Letters)
· Die 6-Small Flying Eagle
· Die 8-Indian Head
And four reverse dies:
(Judd numbers used)
· Die A-Regular die, agricultural wreath
· Die B-Oak wreath
· Die C-Oak wreath with ornamented shield
· Die D-Laurel wreath
Every obverse is paired with every reverse, creating the following 12 patterns:
Dies 5-A
This is the regular 1858 Flying Eagle cent, struck as proofs. Stacks 2/78 Goshen sale and possibly Eliasberg's have had this piece replaced with a die trial in nickel, Judd 217a. Judd 217 is this design struck in pure copper, and is a R8.
Dies 5-B
Judd-192. The coin has a regular Flying Eagle obverse, combined with an Oak Wreath reverse. This coin is an R5, with less than 40 graded by NGC and PCGS.
18.Judd-192
Dies 5-C
There are three Judd numbers assigned for this die marriage. Judd-193, which is the “normal” coin, struck in Copper-Nickel, R5. Judd-194 is also struck in Copper-Nickel, but on a broad planchet. That coin is unique. Judd-195 is struck in pure Copper, which is also unique. The coin’s last appearance on an auction was Kosoff, 8/1966. It wasn’t graded, and sold for $1200, which was quite a lot at that time for a coin that was hard to recognize with the naked eye.
19.Judd-193
Dies 5-D
This coin, Judd-191, is a transitional issue, with the obverse of a Flying Eagle dated 1858, and the reverse as adopted in 1859 (Laurel Wreath). It is also a R5, with around 45 certified by PCGS and NGC.
20.Judd-191
Dies 6-A
Judd-206, struck in Copper-Nickel, shows the Small Flying Eagle on the obverse and the reverse is a regular die with agricultural wreath. The coin is R5, with around 45 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. Judd-207, is the same coin, but struck in pure Copper, and is a R8, with two pieces certified. This design is also known in Nickel, which is a R8 with again two pieces certified. The last two are much more rare, but specialized pattern collectors only have to pay double the price for a Copper-Nickel specimen, if he or she can find it.
Dies 6-B
Judd-203, only known in Copper-Nickel, is also a R5, with less than 40 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. The coin shows a small Flying Eagle on the obverse, and on the reverse a Oak wreath. This pattern is, in my opinion the nicest with the Small Flying Eagle obverse.
21.Judd-203
Dies 6-C
This design, which is known in two different metals, shows the Small Flying Eagle on the obverse, and a Oak wreath with ornamented shield on the reverse. Judd-204 is struck in Copper Nickel, and is a rarity rating of R5, but in my opinion this is wrong. There are more than 70 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC, and I’m sure that there are some raw ones out there. It would qualify it as a R4. Judd-205 is the same coin, but struck in pure Copper. It’s a R8, with three pieces certified by PCGS and NGC.
22.Judd-205
Dies 6-D
Judd-202 is only struck in Copper Nickel. The coin has a small Flying Eagle obverse, combined with a Laurel wreath reverse. The coin is a R5 with about 60 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. From this coin there are several reverse die varieties, so there must have been more dies used to strike this pattern. That doesn’t happen that often, because most patterns have an extremely low mintage.
23.Judd-202
Dies 8-A
This pattern, only struck in Copper-Nickel and known as Judd-213, is listed in the Judd book as a R5, with about 50 pieces certified. On the obverse is an Indian Head, and on the reverse is the regular die with agricultural wreath. This is a transitional issue, with the obverse as adopted in 1859, and the reverse die as used in 1858. There were several die pairs used, as there exist some obverse varieties. Reverse varieties include high leaves, which is rare, and low leaves.
Dies 8-B
This pattern, with die-marriage 8-C is R4. This design shows an Indian Head on the obverse, and an Oak wreath on the reverse, and is known as Judd-211. There are only about 70 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC, but there are a lot raw pieces on the open market. There were several obverse dies used, as there are some varieties.
Dies 8-C
Another R4, with around 125 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC is the J-212. This pattern shows an Indian head on the obverse, and an Oak wreath with ornamented shield on the reverse. There were again several obverse dies used, because there are some varieties. It is the second most common of all 1858 small cent patterns used in the set.
Dies 8-D
Struck in three different metals, the one struck in Copper-Nickel, Judd-208, is by far the most common. It shows an Indian Head on the obverse, and the Laurel wreath on the reverse. This is also a transitional issue, using the same obverse and reverse as used in 1859. It is a very popular pattern, which seems to have been struck over a long period of time. The coin is a R1, but there are only 200 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC, so that keeps the price strong. Judd-209 is struck in pure Copper and is a R8, with two pieces certified. Judd-210 is struck in Bronze and is unique. This coin was in the 7/1997 Heritage sale, where it sold for $4082. The coin now resides in a PCGS Pr64 holder.
All these coins have a plain edge, as do regular issue small cents.
This set was sold to collectors for an unknown price. There are also restrikes, but they are (almost) impossible to recognize as restrikes. The only way to be sure that you have a complete original set is buying sets which were bought directly from the mint, for example the Eliasberg set.
In the same year, there were also some other small cent patterns, but these were not sold to collectors in the set discussed above. These share the following obverses:
· Die 1- Large Flying Eagle, but without inscription or date.
· Die 2- Regular (large) Flying Eagle, Large Letters with inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” but with no date.
· Die 3- Regular (large) Flying Eagle, Small Letters with inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” but with no date.
· Die 4-Regular (large) Flying Eagle, Large Letters with inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and date.
· Die 7-Indian Head, but no date. UNITED STATES to the left, OF AMERICA to the right.
The reverses are the same as above.
With these obverse dies, the following patterns are known:
Dies 1-2
This unique pattern (Judd-219) shows a Large Flying Eagle in a plain field on the obverse, and the reverse is actually an obverse die, the large Flying Eagle, Large Letters but with no date. This pattern is now in a PCGS Proof-62 holder, and the coin was last sold in the Stack’s sale, 5/1997. It sold for $11,500. This coin is a fantasy piece.
Dies 2-A
Judd-201 is a unique pattern, showing a Large Flying Eagle, with Large Letters on the obverse, but no date. The obverse is a regular die with agricultural wreath. The coin’s last appearance in an auction was Bebee’s 8/1955 were it sold for $365.
Dies 3-B
This pattern (Judd-200) is unconfirmed. The coin should show a Flying Eagle with small letters but no date on the obverse, and an Oak wreath one the reverse. As said, this die combination is unconfirmed.
Dies 4-A
Judd-218 and 218a show the large Flying Eagle on the obverse with large letters, and on the reverse a regular die with agricultural wreath. Judd-218 is struck in Copper-Nickel and a R8, Judd-218a is also a R8 but struck in Nickel.
Dies 4-B
Judd-197 shows the Large Flying Eagle with Large letters on the obverse, and an Oak wreath on the reverse. This coin is a high R7, with three pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. The last time one of these was sold was in the 1/1987 NASCA sale, where it was graded Proof-60 and sold for $425.
Dies 4-C
This pattern shows again the Large Flying Eagle with Large Letters on the obverse and an Oak wreath with ornamented shield on the reverse. Judd-198 is a low R6, with 19 pieces certified by PCGS and NGC. Judd-199 is struck on a Copper-Nickel broad planchet, and is a high R7, with one piece certified by PCGS.
Dies 4-D
This is a transitional issue, with the obverse of 1858, showing the Large Flying Eagle with Large Letters, and the reverse as adopted in 1859, showing the Laurel wreath. This pattern (Judd-196) is unique, and the coin was last sold in the 2/1989 Heritage sale, where it was graded as Proof-65 and sold for $975.
Dies 6-8
A unique pattern with two obverse dies is Judd-220. The coin shows the Small Flying Eagle on the obverse, and on the other obverse (reverse) it shows an Indian Head. The coin was never sold on an auction.
Dies 7-C
Judd-216 is a R8 pattern, with one certified by PCGS and NGC. The coin shows an Indian Head with no date on the obverse and an Oak wreath with ornamented shield on the reverse. The last time one of them appeared on an auction was in the 6/1982 Bowers & Ruddy sale, where it sold for $1500.
Dies 7-D
This pattern is struck in Copper-Nickel (Judd-214) and is an R8, and in pure Copper (Judd-215) which is also a R8. The design shows an Indian Head with no date on the obverse and a Laurel wreath on the reverse. Both coins very occasionally come up for auction.
Conclusion
Studying patterns is a great way to see how US coinage changed over the years. The collector who has time to study them will learn a lot from US history, and will have one of the greatest hobbies on earth!!!
Sources
Books:
· J. Hewitt Judd, M.D. (edited by Q. David Bowers)
United States PATTERN COINS Experimental and trail pieces.
Atlanta, GA
Whitman Publishing, LLC
1st editon 1953, 8th complete revised edition 2003
· R.S Yeoman, (edited by Kenneth Bresse)
A guide book of UNITED STATES COINS
New York, NY
Whitman Publishing, LLC
1st editon 1947, 8th complete revised editon 2003
Websites:
· http://www.uspatterns.com (last visited 4-18-2004)
· http://www.coinfacts.com (last vistied 4-16-2004)
Pictures:
1. Own Collection
2. Own Collection
3. Rick Kay
4. Rick Kay
5. Rick Kay
6. Rick Kay
7. Rick Kay
8. Rick Kay
9. Saul Teichman
10. Saul Teichman
11. Saul Teichman
12. Saul Teichman
13. Saul Teichman
14. Saul Teichman
15. Saul Teichman
16. Saul Teichman
17. Saul Teichman
18. Lakesammman
19. Lakesammman
20. Lakesammman
21. Lakesammman
22. Lakesammman
23. Lakesammman
Thank to the above people for using me their pictures. Also thanks to boiler78, who helped me with some questions I had.
Dennis Hengeveld
“Dennis88”
0
Comments
Thanks, Tom.
Registry discussion of Pittman $3 Pattern
Anyway, you did a nice report and you selected a most interesting numismatic topic.
J-441 is dated 1865, but the obverse was apparently struck with a die first used in 1872. In other words, it's a novodel probably struck for collectors. The 1235 et. seq. $3 gold are a totally different design. J-1238 and 1239 were also fantasy pieces with the same obverse die (I believe). The 1238 and 1239 were called "regular dies trial pieces," though they were part of sets intended for collectors.
Edited to add: Oh, and Dennis, as I said before, this was a great essay.
Specializing in 1854 and 1855 large FE patterns
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I'm really getting into it now, as I'm writing a new article already now
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