LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

3496

1879 $1 Washlady Dollar, Judd-1604,

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:29,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1879 $1 Washlady Dollar, Judd-1604,
<B>1879 $1 Washlady Dollar, Judd-1604, Pollock-1799, R.7, PR67 Red and Brown PCGS.</B></I> William Barber's so-called "Washlady" design with a mass of disheveled hair with a band inscribed LIBERTY. The reverse features an erect eagle with raised wings and most of the statutory inscriptions placed on that side. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. <BR> The story of the Washlady design has been told many times, but it is an interesting one and one that always bears repeating. Perhaps the most succinct summation is found on the USPatterns.com website:<BR><BR> "The 'Washlady' dollar in copper [is] considered today to be one of the most beautiful designs ever made by the U.S. Mint. At that time, however, the design was not well received as, apparently, Liberty's hair and the way it was tied back was considered to be disheveled.<BR> "The Washlady name dates back to the April 1891 New York Coin and Stamp auction of the F.W. Doughty collection and was probably given by David Proskey."<BR><BR> Only 10 specimens are known in copper. Most are preserved in high grade, indicating the high esteem collectors have held these pieces in over the decades. This is a spectacular dollar. The fields are deeply mirrored on each side and lend a bright backdrop to the rich red and blue colors that are seen on each side. Because of the unusually high grades the 10 known examples are found in, it is actually quite challenging to identify this particular coin. It is most readily identified by a tiny spot just below the tip of the lowest sheaf of wheat on Liberty's head, and also by certain irregularities in the toning. A luminous, colorful, and amazingly well-preserved "Washlady" dollar--the finest Red and Brown example certified.<BR><I>Ex: Harold Rothenberger Collection (Superior, 1/1994), lot 724.</B></I><BR> <BR><I>From The Pelican Bay Collection of Pattern Coins.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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