my biggest and best new pickup ever
P0CKETCHANGE
Posts: 2,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
When this 1874 Silver 20c Pattern Proof came home with me from the FUN Show last week, it unquestionably became the centerpiece of my entire collection—I have never owned a coin anywhere near the caliber of this piece, and I'm pleased to be her new custodian after 50 years residing in the Bass collection & ANA Museum.
This coin's design, toning, eye appeal, pedigree, rarity and denomination were all factors that compelled me to stretch for it. Plus, it was on my short-list of patterns that I find intriguing, and it crossed the block in the first live numismatic auction that I've ever attended. I hope to treasure the coin—and the experience—for decades to come.
[Additional Info]
Judd-1354 represents one of the two initial pattern designs created for the new 20c. The correspondence between Mint leadership is documented in Brunner & Frost's book. [link: 1874 Patterns] The obverse is adapted from Asst. Engraver Joseph Bailley's earlier Trade Dollar Pattern, and William Barber produced the familiar reverse using the eagle from the Trade.
Judd's Pattern Coins, 9th Edition lists this as a Low R.7, with a Pop 7 between NGC/PCGS (current pops show 11 examples). USPatterns.com states "about 2 dozen known"; that would leave a surprising number of raw examples. In PR65, this is a top pop 3/0 coin at PCGS (tied with the Simpson specimen) and 5/0 including NGC. There is a single CAC-approved example which is in PCGS PR64, and there is an NGC coin in 65CAM (no CAMs at PCGS).
This pattern seldom surfaces at auction—in the past two decades, records show the Simpson example which sold in 2020, the 64 CAC example that sold in 2013, and the NGC 65CAM which sold in 2009. This die pair did strike additional examples in other metals (mostly copper), but I strongly prefer patterns that are struck in a given denomination's intended metal.
I also wanted to show the in-hand appearance—please forgive my amateur photography skills 
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Comments
Wow absolute beautiful
I love seeing members add high grade, rare pieces to their collection
Nothing like getting a new coin and admiring it all the time
Congratulations again, astonishing piece
Congratulations that’s a really beautiful coin- I hope you enjoy it for many years to come!
Congrats, but be careful as patterns are very much like Doritos since you can't just have one.
A 1875 Sailor Head could keep your newp company...
Wow! That's truly special.
Awesome @PocketChange! I agree that if you are going to stretch for something, she is definitely worth stretching for. Congratulations.
Fantastic coin and a great write up!
I’m sure it was thrilling to do all that research and then actually win the piece in a live major auction. A memory you will always cherish.
Superb!
Gorgeous!! Congratulations.
So happy for you! Really pretty. I bet bidding live in person was a thrill - it has been for me the few times I've done so. I can imagine your pulse was running high. Did you have some competition? Would love to hear more about your auction experience.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Love the symbolism incorporated into the design - there's so much going on in the artistry. Wonderful example - congrats on a fine acquisition!
Thanks Catbert! My pulse was indeed running fast. I had placed a rather healthy advance “live proxy” bid at my target increment. I was ready to defend it from the floor, and there was some action, but thankfully it closed half an increment under my initial bid. While it would have been more dramatic, I was certainly glad not to end up in a bidding war!
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
That is a beautiful proof coin.... Great detail ... Thanks for the pictures. Cheers, RickO
Amazing piece! Congratulations on the acquisition.
Thats pretty awesome, congratulations on the world-class addition. It's scary to step up for big coins but once you do it once or twice, it starts to feel "right".
"It's like God, Family, Country, except Sticker, Plastic, Coin."
Beautiful coin. Any chance it could cameo? The last picture shows contrast
Absolutely beautiful! Congratulations
Mark
I love your new win; congratulations! I enlarged the images to admire the fine details on the eagle, the engraver's skills are impressive!
Wow congratulations! What an accomplishment to own a coin that was in the ANA museum!
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
Yep…that’s a good one.
Beautiful pattern.
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Heck of a purchase!
WS
Nice one!
Amazing coin, congratulations!
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Absolutely a special piece to be admired. Congratulations on your very wonderful new pattern!
Fantastic! Enjoy her.
Beautiful Specimen
Nice choice in Americana Coinage!
Cameo?
Is that your coin pictured in the PCGS Photo example for that Pattern?
The first coin portrait of the 1874 in the pf.65?
Also, one of three for pf 65 and
TOP POP?
Awesome!
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.Fantastic centerpiece!
Congratulations.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Wow! Truly stunning! Congrats to you!
A pattern coin, that will make you smile endlessly.
To own such a coin with such history is an envy to most of us.
If you are ever getting a little down in spirits, taking a look at her will brighten up your day.
Congratulations on acquiring it.
Wayne
Kennedys are my quest...
A truly exquisite piece of US pattern coinage...Congrats Buddy.
Congrats Pal, that is a superb coin and it looks wonderful amongst the rest of your collection. Such a cool design
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This coin is truly spectacular, and I am very jealous. Opportunities to acquire a coin like this are rare and fall into the “coin of a lifetime” category for many serious collectors. Congratulations!
Miss Liberty is nonplussed
that sure is one beautiful coin to have, congrats
Bravo!!
Oh my, my ... what a wonderful example!! Congratulations!!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Simply gorgeous, congratulations!
Breathtaking. Never even knew of this pattern.
Awesome coin, congratulations,
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
Splendid! Congratulations.
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Great pickup @POCKETCHANGE Well beyond my capabilities, but still impressed greatly. Beautiful pattern coin. Congrats.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Breathtaking, Stunning and gorgeous! Words fall short on this.
Congratulations on this great and truly unique aquisition.👍
Happy, humble, honored and proud recipient of the “You Suck” award 10/22/2014
Fabulous coin and wonderful story.
...What everybody has said!!!
Some collectors do not like patterns for some reason, but I love them.
You now have a very nice example PC, congratulations!
Wow! ...and Congratulations!
You already had some nice proof Walkers and now this?
I won't say I'm jealous, but I'm jealous.
I've always had a soft spot for patterns, and this is a really nice one. Congrats!
Coin Photographer.
The agriculture surrounding Miss Liberty with her well detailed head and face are a feast to the eyes! The proof strike, level of preservation and lovely golden toning only amplify this. Plus with only 2 dozen known seems like good bang for the buck as well!
outstanding and congratulations !!!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
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Thanks all! I appreciate the kind words and support for the new pickup. It’s great to be able to celebrate such a milestone acquisition with folks on the forum—you guys get it.
Coming soon to the BST: the rest of my collection to fund more patterns
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
That's a really nice centerpiece coin, great pedigree, very attractive, interesting history. Congratulations!
I knew it would happen.