Likely unique Walking Liberty Half Plaster in upcoming StacksBowers Auction

Byers

A likely unique plaster is crossing the auction block. A fascinating part of the coin design process and pedigreed to the designer of this coin. ( not mine)

https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-18C1WH/plaster-of-adolph-alexander-weinmans-second-1916-walking-liberty-half-dollar-obverse-design-cf-judd-1992-pollock-2053-and-judd-1993-

7Jaguars

@Byers said:
A likely unique plaster is crossing the auction block. A fascinating part of the coin design process and pedigreed to the designer of this coin. ( not mine)

https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-18C1WH/plaster-of-adolph-alexander-weinmans-second-1916-walking-liberty-half-dollar-obverse-design-cf-judd-1992-pollock-2053-and-judd-1993-

Calling Dan Carr - can you please "adapt" this design Sir?

Walkerguy21D

Very cool, thanks for posting this!

Walkerfan

What an important piece of Walker numismatic history! Very cool!! 😎

Edit to add: Though I don't think I'd buy one, as I prefer coins, and I DO see it going for strong money, too.

MrEureka

@Byers said:
A likely unique plaster is crossing the auction block. A fascinating part of the coin design process and pedigreed to the designer of this coin. ( not mine)

What do we actually know about the provenance?

MrEureka

@7Jaguars said:

@Byers said:
A likely unique plaster is crossing the auction block. A fascinating part of the coin design process and pedigreed to the designer of this coin. ( not mine)

>

Calling Dan Carr - can you please "adapt" this design Sir?

Would be cool for a DC 1oz ASE!

Ebeneezer

The actual term is galvano, and these rarely cross the auction block. So I see it going for some solid money.

MsMorrisine

it made it to SB, but i'd be too paranoid to buy this because of shipping dangers

how can these be safely transported?

Byers

Here is the Buffalo Nickel Galvano in the same auction:

https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-18C0L7/bas-relief-bronze-galvano-of-james-earle-frasers-reverse-design-for-the-1913-buffalo-nickel-believed-unique

Byers

@MsMorrisine said:
it made it to SB, but i'd be too paranoid to buy this because of shipping dangers

how can these be safely transported?

I have handled several U.S. coin galvanos and plasters which were safely transported by the Post Office. These are usually wrapped in a box, which is then placed inside a larger box.

goodmoney4badmoney

That Buffalo is cool, especially the “Fraser” at the bottom.

MsMorrisine

i so want that buff

Byers

@goodmoney4badmoney said:
That Buffalo is cool, especially the “Fraser” at the bottom.

James Fraser became famous for his Buffalo Nickel design. He also designed the reverse of the Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar. The American Buffalo 24-karat bullion gold coin also has his Buffalo Nickel designs on the obverse and reverse.

Laura Fraser ( his wife and equally as famous in her own right) designed the obverse of the Oregon Trail Half. Her officially adopted designs also include the 1921 Alabama Half Dollar, the 1922 Grant Gold Dollar and Half Dollar, and the 1925 Vancouver Half Dollar. Her design for the 1932 Washington Quarter was issued as the 1999 George Washington Commemorative Gold Five-Dollar coin, and her obverse design was used for the circulating quarter starting in 2022.

Byers

A plaster is the model made during the design process of a coin or medal. They are sculpted in a much larger size than the actual size of the final coin or medal. Plaster casts can be positive or negative and the artist is able to add or carve additional detail. Plasters are often mounted on wood and become a very desirable wall hanging.

A galvano is always one-sided and made by placing a bas-relief mold or pattern (of plaster, plastic or metal) in an electrolytic tank containing an electrolyte solution. Galvanos can be made positive or negative (provided the pattern is the opposite: a positive pattern makes a negative galvano). In the numismatic and medallic field negative galvanos are the form of pattern making of a bas-relief to be converted into a die. Galvano casts are often mounted on wood and become a very desirable wall hanging.

Byers

Jim Halperin (co-founder and co-chairman of Heritage Auctions) shared 4 of his James Frasier coin plasters with Mint Error News:

https://minterrornews.com/features-3-12-24-jim-halperins-collection-of-fraser-plasters.html

ctf_error_coins

Thanks Mike for your very informative post.

The pieces are a super cool part of our numismatic history.

MrEureka

@Byers said:
A plaster is the model made during the design process of a coin or medal. They are sculpted in a much larger size than the actual size of the final coin or medal. Plaster casts can be positive or negative and the artist is able to add or carve additional detail. Plasters are often mounted on wood and become a very desirable wall hanging.

A galvano is always one-sided and made by placing a bas-relief mold or pattern (of plaster, plastic or metal) in an electrolytic tank containing an electrolyte solution. Galvanos can be made positive or negative (provided the pattern is the opposite: a positive pattern makes a negative galvano). In the numismatic and medallic field negative galvanos are the form of pattern making of a bas-relief to be converted into a die. Galvano casts are often mounted on wood and become a very desirable wall hanging.

Is the carving ever actually done in plaster, or are plasters always taken from carvings in another material? I would have guessed the latter, just because plaster doesn't seem like it would be an ideal material for an original carving, but I really don't know.

Byers

@MrEureka said:
Is the carving ever actually done in plaster, or are plasters always taken from carvings in another material? I would have guessed the latter, just because plaster doesn't seem like it would be an ideal material for an original carving, but I really don't know.

Andy-

Initially a clay model is sculpted first, then a negative plaster is made, then from that a positive plaster is made, which can be slightly modified by the sculptor. Below is Laura Fraser making the final details in her Quarter design in plaster.

This 1932 quarter reverse plaster model for Laura Gardin Fraser's 1932 Washington Quarter submission is an amazing and significant discovery, unknown to the numismatic community until 2020.

Accompanied with this plaster is a rare original 8" x 10" sepia tone photographic portrait print of Laura Gardin Fraser in her studio sculpting the reverse in plaster. This photograph came with this plaster when her estate was purchased.

Byers

Below are clay models of the obverse and reverse of the Indian Head nickel, sculpted by James Earle Fraser:

Byers

Also in this same StacksBowers Auction is one of two known silver U.S. Mint issued Congressional medals honoring Charles Lindbergh and designed by Laura Fraser!

•The U.S. Mint struck ONE medal in gold which was presented to Lindbergh.

•The Smithsonian Institute has ONE example in gilt bronze.

•TWO specimens were struck in .999 fine silver with a sandblast finish and a weight of 5.77 troy ounces. One of these 2 is the StacksBowers medal offered in their auction.

•Bronze versions were struck by the U.S. Mint for sale to collectors.

•There is also ONE known 14 inch bronze galvano of the obverse design in private hands, designed and sculpted by Laura Fraser. This unique galvano was discovered in her estate.

https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-18DEG0/1928-congressional-medal-for-charles-lindbergh-by-laura-gardin-fraser-failor-hayden-645-silver-specimen-67-pcgs

MrEureka

@Byers said:
Below are clay models of the obverse and reverse of the Indian Head nickel, sculpted by James Earle Fraser:

Interesting. I don’t recall seeing any clay models, of Buffalos or of anything else. And I wonder how durable clay would be after a century on the shelf. Actually, I don’t even know what century old clay would look like. Are you sure the above is clay and not plaster?

BLUEJAYWAY

Lots of interesting history posted here.

DCW

@MrEureka said:

@Byers said:
Below are clay models of the obverse and reverse of the Indian Head nickel, sculpted by James Earle Fraser:

Interesting. I don’t recall seeing any clay models, of Buffalos or of anything else. And I wonder how durable clay would be after a century on the shelf. Actually, I don’t even know what century old clay would look like. Are you sure the above is clay and not plaster?

Maybe it is "fired" like pottery to harden it? Like you say, I can't imagine clay retaining its form after a Century. My kids' play doh doesn't hold up very well.

Byers

@MrEureka said:

@Byers said:
Below are clay models of the obverse and reverse of the Indian Head nickel, sculpted by James Earle Fraser:

Interesting. I don’t recall seeing any clay models, of Buffalos or of anything else. And I wonder how durable clay would be after a century on the shelf. Actually, I don’t even know what century old clay would look like. Are you sure the above is clay and not plaster?

Andy-

100% clay. It was discovered in the Frasier Studio.

There are AT LEAST 4 known clay models of the James Fraser Buffalo Nickel. 3 of them are listed below:

•One resides in the
Syracuse University Art Museum

•One was displayed in 2008 by the Woodbridge Township NJ Historic Preservation Commission in an exhibit

•One is displayed in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma

I extensively researched clay, plasters and galvanos from both James and Laura Fraser that are in private museums and in public hands. This was based on documents, photographs, paperwork and actual models that I have in my possession from my purchase of part of their estate.

Byers

Regarding the silver Charles Lindberg Medal posted above, being auctioned by StacksBowers (not mine):

Here is the unique gold medal presented to Charles Lindberg:

Below are images of the original box that is included in the auction lot of the silver medal. These images were not included in the StacksBowers auction catalog or online.

ctf_error_coins

@Byers said:

@MrEureka said:

@Byers said:
Below are clay models of the obverse and reverse of the Indian Head nickel, sculpted by James Earle Fraser:

Interesting. I don’t recall seeing any clay models, of Buffalos or of anything else. And I wonder how durable clay would be after a century on the shelf. Actually, I don’t even know what century old clay would look like. Are you sure the above is clay and not plaster?

Andy-

100% clay. It was discovered in the Frasier Studio.

There are AT LEAST 4 known clay models of the James Fraser Buffalo Nickel. 3 of them are listed below:

•One resides in the
Syracuse University Art Museum

•One was displayed in 2008 by the Woodbridge Township NJ Historic Preservation Commission in an exhibit

•One is displayed in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma

I extensively researched clay, plasters and galvanos from both James and Laura Fraser that are in private museums and in public hands. This was based on documents, photographs, paperwork and actual models that I have in my possession from my purchase of part of their estate.

Wow, you purchased Fraser Plasters from their estate?

Very interesting and super cool.

CaptHenway

A different technological era, but here are James B. Longacre's original wax models for the $3 gold piece from 1854. I bought them from Michigan collector Max Brail in the early 1980's. He told me that he got them from a Minister who lived in the Philadelphia area. I wrote an article about them for The Numismatist, kept them for many years and eventually sold them to Rick Snow because the reverse design was also used for the Flying Eagle Cent.

Byers

@ctf_error_coins said:

Wow, you purchased Fraser Plasters from their estate?

Very interesting and super cool.

Chris- this galvano and plasters originally came from the Fraser estate. It’s always exciting to introduce new numismatic discoveries that dealers and collectors were not aware of.

Mint Error News just published an article on the Laura Fraser designed Charles Lindberg medal…BRONZE GALVANO of the obverse design, which was unknown to the numismatic community. It is 14 inches in diameter and is unique in private hands.

Additionally, it is the only known Laura Fraser galvano of a coin or medal design in private hands. The other known Fraser galvanos were created by her husband James Fraser.

The galvano is also on the cover of the latest issue of Mint Error News which also features some of Laura Fraser’s plasters. These were unknown to the numismatic community.

https://minterrornews.com/discoveries-3-2-24-lindbergh-obv-bronze-galvano-by-laura-gardin-fraser.html

https://minterrornews.com/issue69.pdf

davewesen

How big are these things?

the half says 167 mm so near 6.5" in diameter?
the nickel says 101 mm inner near 4" and 25 mm rim near 1" more on each side?

I ask because when I see the sculptors working on the designs, it looks closer to 12-15"

Byers

The James B. Longacre's original wax models for the $3 gold piece from 1854 were always among my favorites and seemed like a bargain in the Heritage Auction…

Byers

Here is the Charles A. Lindbergh 14-Inch Plaster of the Reverse Design for the 1928 Congressional Gold Medal by Laura Gardin Fraser

And where it originated from!

https://minterrornews.com/discoveries-3-2-24-lindbergh-rev-plaster-by-laura-gardin-fraser.html

MrEureka

Z> @Byers said:

@MrEureka said:

@Byers said:
Below are clay models of the obverse and reverse of the Indian Head nickel, sculpted by James Earle Fraser:

Interesting. I don’t recall seeing any clay models, of Buffalos or of anything else. And I wonder how durable clay would be after a century on the shelf. Actually, I don’t even know what century old clay would look like. Are you sure the above is clay and not plaster?

Andy-

100% clay. It was discovered in the Frasier Studio.

There are AT LEAST 4 known clay models of the James Fraser Buffalo Nickel. 3 of them are listed below:

•One resides in the
Syracuse University Art Museum

•One was displayed in 2008 by the Woodbridge Township NJ Historic Preservation Commission in an exhibit

•One is displayed in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma

I extensively researched clay, plasters and galvanos from both James and Laura Fraser that are in private museums and in public hands. This was based on documents, photographs, paperwork and actual models that I have in my possession from my purchase of part of their estate.

Are the 4 clay ones identical? If so, how would they have been produced?

oreville

Wow
Wow
Wow

Byers

@davewesen said:
How big are these things?

the half says 167 mm so near 6.5" in diameter?
the nickel says 101 mm inner near 4" and 25 mm rim near 1" more on each side?

I ask because when I see the sculptors working on the designs, it looks closer to 12-15"

I can’t comment on the sizes on the 2 (plaster and galvano) in the upcoming StacksBowers auction, but regarding the sizes of the James Fraser and Laura Fraser models that I have, the sizes vary from 6 inches to 15 inches.

dcarr

@7Jaguars said:

@Byers said:
A likely unique plaster is crossing the auction block. A fascinating part of the coin design process and pedigreed to the designer of this coin. ( not mine)

https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-18C1WH/plaster-of-adolph-alexander-weinmans-second-1916-walking-liberty-half-dollar-obverse-design-cf-judd-1992-pollock-2053-and-judd-1993-

Calling Dan Carr - can you please "adapt" this design Sir?

.

If the new buyer is willing to work with me on it, I could potentially make a die or dies from that plaster.

.

dcarr

@Ebeneezer said:
The actual term is galvano, and these rarely cross the auction block. So I see it going for some solid money.

The plaster version is not technically a "galvano". But a galvano can be made directly from a plaster.

dcarr

@MrEureka said:

@Byers said:
Below are clay models of the obverse and reverse of the Indian Head nickel, sculpted by James Earle Fraser:

Interesting. I don’t recall seeing any clay models, of Buffalos or of anything else. And I wonder how durable clay would be after a century on the shelf. Actually, I don’t even know what century old clay would look like. Are you sure the above is clay and not plaster?

The clay will dry out and get quite stiff (but also prone to breakage).
Dried-out ceramic clay can be fired to produce a harder material that is less prone to cracking (although it can still break like a fired clay dish).

dcarr

@Byers said:

@davewesen said:
How big are these things?

the half says 167 mm so near 6.5" in diameter?
the nickel says 101 mm inner near 4" and 25 mm rim near 1" more on each side?

I ask because when I see the sculptors working on the designs, it looks closer to 12-15"

I can’t comment on the sizes on the 2 (plaster and galvano) in the upcoming StacksBowers auction, but regarding the sizes of the James Fraser and Laura Fraser models that I have, the sizes vary from 6 inches to 15 inches.

.

My Broken Sword Peace Dollar reverse is not a plaster or an electrotype galvano. It is a solid bronze casting which could also function in a reduction lathe like a galvano. The diameter of the outer rim on the design is 7.5 inches. With the typical 1:5 reduction, the result is a 1.5-inch diameter hub. In other words, plasters and galvanos are typically created at 5 times the final intended size. There can be variations, of course.

Byers

What a wild set this would make!

De Francisci‘s Peace Dollar:

•Obverse Plaster (adopted design)

•Obverse Splasher (adopted design)

•Reverse Bronze Cast (adopted design but with the broken sword)

I can’t think of any other De Francisci adopted Peace Dollar design of the obverse or reverse, as a plaster, splasher or bronze cast in private hands.

Morgan13

This is likely nothing more than a decoration but it was hung in my grandparents home for at least 50 years. I've had it in storage for at least 30 years. I thought of it when this thread popped up and figured it's worth a share.

Byers

I think that this Nickel is the only OTHER know De Francisci plaster, splasher, electrotrial or bronze cast of any U.S. denomination in private hands.

Jefferson Nickel Die Trial
Reverse Electrotrial
by Anthony De Francisci
Judd #JC1938-1 PCGS MS 62 UNIQUE

Byers

Still unwrapping, sorting and researching more Fraser items. Here are a couple images. I will post more later.

ctf_error_coins

Wow, just wow.

Very cool history in those exceptional pieces, and you are still unpacking !!!

Show us more.

GoldenEgg

There are some true treasures in these photos. I see both LGF and JEF designs here. That Saint Gaudens piece is a very desirable item.

@Byers said:
Still unwrapping, sorting and researching more Fraser items. Here are a couple images. I will post more later.

Byers

@GoldenEgg said:
There are some true treasures in these photos. I see both LGF and JEF designs here. That Saint Gaudens piece is a very desirable item.

@Byers said:
Still unwrapping, sorting and researching more Fraser items. Here are a couple images. I will post more later.

Yes. An example in StacksBowers sold for $9400.

Byers

The biggest ‘surprise’ was the weight, height, 3D detail and size of Laura Fraser’s
“Oklahoma Run”.

This is a unique plaster for the 1957 Oklahoma Semi-Centennial Medal that was designed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser.

For size comparison, it is imaged next to Laura Fraser’s 1932 Quarter Design which is 11 1/2 inches in diameter.

https://minterrornews.com/discoveries-3-2-24-1957-oklahoma-semi-centennial-medal-plaster-by-laura-gardin-fraser.html

DCW

@Byers said:
Still unwrapping, sorting and researching more Fraser items. Here are a couple images. I will post more later.

Mike, did you buy all these? What are you unwrapping? I must have missed this part of the thread

Byers

@DCW said:

@Byers said:
Still unwrapping, sorting and researching more Fraser items. Here are a couple images. I will post more later.

Mike, did you buy all these? What are you unwrapping? I must have missed this part of the thread

Yes!

The image that you referenced are just a few of them. Later on I will publish more, focusing on those that are unknown to the numismatic community. There is one in clay from James Fraser, a galvano from him as well, and additional different plasters from both James and Laura.

I imaged a few of the medals and die trials
in that picture just to share as I was unwrapping them. I need to open, unwrap and sort out the rest of these.

But my primary focus will be on the one in clay, the other different galvano and the remaining plasters that were not in this Mint Error News Issue.

A few of them ( not in this image) were published and featured in the latest edition of Mint Error News. These were unknown to the numismatic community at large. Such as the unique Laura Fraser galvano of the obverse of the Charles Lindberg gold Congressional Medal, the Laura Fraser plaster of the reverse of this same medal, a plaster of Laura’s Fraser Oregon Trail design, Laura Fraser’s Oklahoma Run plaster, and others.

I just finished publishing the latest issue of Mint Error News so now I can finally focus on unwrapping the last few boxes of James and Laura Fraser’s items.

It’s always exciting news when events like this occur, and I wanted to share these discoveries with the readers of Mint Error News as well as sharing this in this thread.

https://minterrornews.com/issue69.pdf

DCW

@Byers
Really amazing stuff! I hope you are able to photograph and catalog these to be properly enjoyed. Just priceless history you have there. Congrats on ownership and thank you for sharing it with us.

Byers

@DCW said:
@Byers
Really amazing stuff! I hope you are able to photograph and catalog these to be properly enjoyed. Just priceless history you have there. Congrats on ownership and thank you for sharing it with us.

I am glad that you appreciate and enjoy looking at new discoveries the same way that I do.

GoBust

Those are all very very cool. 😎