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Barber Liberty Head Patterns – “You’re joshing me”!

Category:  Pattern Coins
Owner:  mania
Last Modified:  9/13/2023
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Slot: Liberty Head Open Wreath with I Silver
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 1C 1881 J-1665
Grade: PCGS PF 64
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1881 1C barber Liberty head
Judd-1665, Pollock-1865
Rarity: High R.6, CAC Endorsed.

Ex: Simpson.


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: The motifs closely resemble those on the issued 1883 Liberty nickel where Liberty wears a coronet inscribed with LIBERTY i incused letters and behind are the heads of a wheat and cotton leaves and bolls.
however, unlike the Liberty head nickel of of 1883 the obverse stars are absent in favor of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Reverse: The Roman numeral I for the denomination within a wreath of cotton and corn .

Comment:
These designs were also used on the three cent (Judd-1668) and five cent (Judd-1671) designs of this year. Probably about two dozen examples of Judd-1665 are extant. This impressive Choice proof is sharply detailed throughout, with lightly marked surfaces that are blanketed in attractive shades of lavender-gray and sea-green toning.

Provenance/Appearances:
From the Bob Simpson Collection, Heritage April 2021 Central States Signature Auction / Lot #4300; prior Possible the Superior 2/4/1992 The Century Collection Sale piece /Lot #1967 (appears a couple of small diagnostics marks are common even with the low quality B&W internet image)
Slot: Liberty Head Open Wreath with I Copper
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 1C 1881 J-1666
Grade: PCGS PF 62 Brown
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1881 1C Barber Liberty head
Judd-1666, Pollock-1866
Rarity: High R.6, PR62BN


Struck in Copper with a Plain Edge

Obverse: The motifs closely resemble those on the issued 1883 Liberty nickel where Liberty wears a coronet inscribed with LIBERTY i incused letters and behind are the heads of a wheat and cotton leaves and bolls.
however, unlike the Liberty head nickel of of 1883 the obverse stars are absent in favor of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Reverse: The Roman numeral I for the denomination within a wreath of cotton and corn .

Comment:
Medium golden brown with orange highlights. About a dozen examples are known. PCGS
These are of interest as with the 1868 1C, 3C and 5 C pattern versions that resemble the the dies of the 3 cent pieces. These Barber Head also use Roman numerals to depict the denomination (cents).

Provenance/Appearances:
Stacks Mar 2012 Baltimore Lot #7197
Slot: Liberty Head Open Wreath with III
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 3CN 1881 J-1668
Grade: PCGS PF 64
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1881 3C Liberty Head Three Cents
Judd-1668, Pollock-1869
Rarity: High R.6, PR64


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.
Obverse: The Charles Barber Liberty Head obverse. Head facing left, similar to the adopted Liberty Head nickel design, but UNITED STATES OF AMERICA rings the obverse in thick, widely spaced letters, with date 1881 below.

Reverse: The denomination with the Roman numeral III located in the center of an agricultural wreath, (similar to the 1883 regular-issue nickel design).

Comment: The powder-gray surfaces offer bold eye appeal, a function equally of the absence of marks and bold strike that immediately suggest a conservative grade for this nice example. Slight shadowing in the field in front of the Bust serves as a diagnostics feature. ‘’Somewhat less than two dozen examples of this pattern issue are certified at NGC and PCGS combined, a few of them likely duplicates.

Provenance/ Appearance:
Acquired from dealer in the Houston show Jan 2018; Prior From The Lemus Collection, Queller Family Collection Part Two , Heritage Jan 2009 Orlando FUN / Lot #1941 9 (NGC PF64 Holder); Heritage July 1994; The 1994 ANA Sale / Lot #7951 ($2800)

Slot: Liberty Head Open Wreath with III Copper
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 3CN 1881 J-1669
Grade: PCGS PF 64 Brown
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1881 3C Liberty Head Three Cents
Judd-1669, Pollock-1870,
Rarity: High R.6, PR64 BN


Struck in copper with a plain edge.

Obverse: Three cent nickel pattern featuring the head on the obverse similar to that used on the adopted Liberty nickel of 1883.

Reverse: The reverse has a Roman numeral III in the center, surrounded by a wreath of cotton and corn.

Comment: The surfaces are evenly mellowed brown over each side. The striking details are full throughout, and there are no obvious marks.

Provenance/ Appearance:
Heritage Aug 2011 Chicago / Lot #5291
Slot: Liberty Head Open Wreath with V Nickel
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1881 J-1671
Grade: NGC PF 62
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1881 5C
Judd-1671, Pollack-1872
Rarity: High R6; PR62


Struck in Nickel with Plain Edge

Obverse: A Charles Barber Design similar to the design used in 1883 and later Barber Liberty Head Nickels. This version differs in several ways from the regular design. On the obverse UNITED STATES OF AMERICA circles the rim in place of the stars. This is also similar to the designs used on 1 cent and 3 cent patterns of this year (1881)

Reverse: The reverse is a wreath of Wheat, Cotton and corn with the roman numeral V in the center with no other legends.

Comments:
The mint sold 3 piece sets of the 1C, 3C and 5 C patterns.
The piece is evenly grey tone and a few marks however 2 spots on the Obverse may be the grade limiting features.

Provenance/Appearances:
Direct Purchase From Julian Leidman Jan 2017
Slot: Liberty Head Open Wreath with V & IN GOD WE TRUST Copper
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1881 J-1672
Grade: NGC PF 65 RB
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1881 5C Copper
Judd-1672. Pollock-1873
Rarity: High R.6/ Low R.7, PF65RB


Struck In copper with Plain Edge

Obverse: The usual head of Liberty, design by Charles Barber, facing left as adopted in 1883 for the regular issue with date below and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds

Reverse: A very large V for the denomination, inside of an open agricultural wreath.
However, it is noteworthy that both IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM are not present on this particular pattern issue, the first was added on the Judd-1674a.

Comment:
This is the 5 cent piece that was part of the standard 3 piece small denomination trial series that match the 1 Cent and 3 Cent pieces
This transitional pattern only has an estimated dozen or so estimated survivors.
Wonderful brown and blue toning on both sides.

Provenance/ Appearance:
Private Transaction June 2017, Prior
- Goldberg Auctions June 2017 Pre-Long Beach Auction #98 / Lot 1164: and
- Superior 2/22/2005 Pre-Long Beach Elite Coin Auction /Lot# 4519 ($3795),
- Heritage Mar 2003 Charlotte ANA / Lot #6564 (PCGS64RB)




Slot: Liberty Head w/ "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" Open Wreath with V Aluminum
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1882 J-1679
Grade: NGC PF 65
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1882 5C
Judd-1679, Pollock-1881
Rarity: Low R.7, PR65


Struck in aluminum with a plain edge.

Obverse: The devices are similar to the issued 1883 No Cents Liberty nickel, but the country name is on the obverse instead of stars. The portrait is slightly smaller,

Reverse: The reverse has IN GOD WE TRUST in small letters instead of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The wreath significantly larger, relative to the eventually issued type leaving just enough room for IN GOD WE TRUST at the top

Comment:
This piece has faint bluish hues grace the lovely and virtually pristine surfaces.

US Patterns states about 12 pieces in extant

Provenance: Appearance:
Private Sale 8/2017 ; Prior: Heritage April 2011 Rosemont CSNS Auction / Lot #6244; Heritage Oct 2010 Stamford Coinfest Auction / Lot #4559 ( passed)


Slot: Liberty Head Open Wreath with V E. PLURIBUS
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1882 J-1680
Grade: PCGS PF 64 Cameo
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1882 5C Liberty Head Five Cents
Judd-1680, Pollock-1882
Rarity: Low R.6, PR64 Cam


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: The portrait of Liberty is identical to the adopted design of 1883, but here it is surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA instead of stars, and shows the date (1882) below. The border denticles are quite wide.

Reverse: Features a wreath of corn and cotton encircling a large Roman numeral V. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is above.

Comment:
Choice, bold, with attractive Lightly toned surfaces with slight contrasting between the field and devices.

One of the many suggested patterns for a new Liberty motif nickel five cent piece. William Barber, the Chief Engraver for 10 years following Longacre's death in 1869, died in 1879 and left the top job to his son, Charles E. Barber, whose design this is This design is relatively available in nickel, and it is also known in copper and aluminum. The same design was also used to create the famous "Blind Man's Nickel" with five ridges on the edge

Provenance/Appearance
Private purchase John Harmick 2006; Prior Goldberg Auctions Sept 2006 Pre-Long Beach Auction #37 / Lot 1636

Slot: Liberty Head w/"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" Open Wreath with E. PLURIBUS Small Dentils
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1882 J-1684 ELIASBERG
Grade: NGC PF 64
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1882 5C
Judd-1684, Pollock-1886
Rarity: Low R.6, PR64

Ex: Eliasberg.


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: Liberty head design as adopted for the regular issue a year later, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the date below.
Reverse: Roman numeral V in the center of an open agricultural wreath with E PLURIBUS UNUM above. This Judd has Narrow dentils.

Comment: Deeply reflective fields feature an overlay dusky gray patina. Modest field-device contrast exists. There is slight repunching at L, R, and N in motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Weight: 76.8 grains. Diameter: 0.832 inc

Provenance:
Ex: Charles Steigerwalt to J.M. Clapp; Clapp estate, 1942, to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, Part I (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 181; ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/1999), lot 7778. From The Collection of William Rau. Heritage April 2018 April CSNS – Chicago / Lot #5126

Slot: Liberty Head w/"IN GOD WE TRUST" & stars Open Wreath with V UNITED STATES OF AMERICA & E. PLURIBUS
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1882 J-1687 POLLOCK PLATE
Grade: NGC PF 65
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1882 5C
Judd-1687, Pollock-1889, Rarity: Low R.6, PR65

The Pollock plate coin.


Struck in nickel with a plain edge

Obverse: Bust of LIBERTY facing left with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST above and the date is below and stars on each side (7 left and 6 right) .
Reverse: The reverse of the 1883 w/the Roman Numeral V within a wreath of corn and cotton. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the upper perimeter and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is at the bottom and no CENTS.

Comments:
This transitional pattern is primarily found in nickel, as seen here, but it is also known in copper (unique) and aluminum. Razor-sharp surfaces are delicately toned with moderately reflective fields. A single speck of aqua residue appears between IT in UNITED.

Technical Aspects: Weight: 77.3 grains. Diameter: 21.2 mm. Die alignment: 180°.

Plate coin - Illustrated in United States Patterns and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, as figure 536

Provenance:
Stanley Kesselman, November 11, 1971 to Harry Bass private sale, The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection: Part I, Bowers and Merena May 1999 /Lot 1059 ($1840); From The Collection of William Rau, Heritage April 2018 CSNS – Chicago / Lot #5127, And the The Pollock plate coin.(Fig 361)

Slot: Liberty Head w/Stars Rec: As adopted without Cents In Nickel
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1882 J-1690
Grade: PCGS PF 64 Cameo
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1882 Pattern Liberty Head Nickel.
Judd-1690, Pollock-1892
Rarity: R.5, PR64 Cameo


Struck in nickel with plain edge

Obverse: Similar to the design that the Mint adopted or regular issue Liberty nickel production in 1883, although the stars around the border are arranged in a somewhat different manner.

Reverse: The No CENTS design that the Mint adopted for regular issue Liberty Nickel production in 1883 with the denomination in Roman Numeral “V” within the wreath and UNITED STATES OF AMERICAL around the top and the mode at bottom.

Comment:
This specimen is lightly toned in golden patina with fully untroubled surfaces. The frosty devices are boldly cameo against the fields and deliver superior eye appeal. A popular precursor to the regular issue Liberty nickel of 1883 to 1912, Judd-1690 enjoys strong demand among series specialists and pattern enthusiasts alike. Only 6 are graded finer by PCGS.

Provenance/appearance:
From Stacks Bowers March 2021 Auction - Session 5 /Lot 5624; Prior Ex J.J. Teaparty, privately circa 1980;
Slot: Liberty Head w/Stars Rec: As adopted without Cents IN Copper
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1882 J-1691
Grade: PCGS PF 63 Red Brown
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1882 5C Barber Head In Copper
Judd-1691, Pollock-1893
Rarity R.6, PR63 RB


Struck in copper with a plain edge.

Obverse: Bust of Liberty facing lft with 13 stars surrounding and the date below.

Reverse: Same as the regular issue 1883 nickel but without “CENTS” , the V is within the wreath and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arround the top half.

Comments:
This piece is known as the "Exact Type of 1883," but in reality this pattern differs slightly with a different arrangement of the obverse stars. Still, it is a popular precursor to the adopted Liberty nickel of 1883.
This exceptional Gem has deep shadings of blue and original copper-red over each side and deep mirrors. Quite an attractive coin despite numerous speckles of carbon, particularly over the obverse. A fingerprint fragment on the lower left obverse quadrant corresponds to the grade but does serve as a nice diagnostic.

Provenance:
John L. Harris Collection (Stack's, 11/1950), lot 74; Exemplar Collection. & The Kling Family Collection, Heritage Jan 2016 FUN – Tampa / Lot #3330 ($3055) (NGC holder 3678177-168), Heritage April 2016 CSNS – Chicago / Lot #5624 (Current PCGS Holder)


Slot: Liberty Head w/"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" PURE NICKEL within wreath
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1883 J-1704
Grade: NGC PF 64 ULTRA CAMEO
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1883 5C Liberty Head
Judd-1704, Pollock-1908
Rarity: Low R.6, PR64 Ultra Cameo


Struck in pure nickel (and as such a magnetic coin) with a plain edge

Obverse: The obverse is similar in design to the Liberty nickel adopted in this year, except around the obverse instead of stars are the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Reverse: Has a central inscription that reads PURE NICKEL, surrounded by a wreath of cotton and corn. FIVE CENTS is separated above and below with seven stars left and six right.

Comment: Deeply contrasted fields and devices remain entirely brilliant and exhibit few marks for the grade. As the coin is struck in pure nickel it is magnetic

Provenance/Appearance:
From The Collection of William Rau Heritage April 2018 CSNS Signature Auction - Chicago / Lot #5128
=====================================================
Barber’s Liberty Head Type Set of 1883 Patterns


Slot: J-1707 5C - Liberty Head 1883 rev:"75N. 25C."
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1883 J-1707
Grade: NGC PF 67 CAMEO
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1883 5C
Judd-1707, Pollock-1911
Rarity: High R.6, PR67 Cam


Struck in a magnetic alloy of 75% nickel and 25% copper with a plain edge.


Obverse:
The central obverse device is similar to the head of Liberty adopted on the regular issue five cent pieces of this year, the date is below, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the margin.
Reverse: The reverse shows the experimental nature of this pattern with 75 N./25 C. in the center, surrounded by a wreath of cotton and corn, FIVE on the upper border, CENTS on the lower border, with 13 stars arranged seven left and six right at the margin.


Comment:
Both sides are brilliant with strongly contrasting mint frost over the devices.
86.5 Grains

Prior Appearance:
From Great Collections Auction Jan 10, 2021 / Lot # 923733; Prior Heritage Oct 2019 Signature Auction - Dallas / Lot #3376; Possible prior Bowers and Merena 8/14/1995 / Lot 470 (NGC66)
Slot: Liberty Head w/"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" "50 N. 50 C." within wreath
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1874-DATE,WITH POLLOCK & RB NUMBERS
Item Description: 5C 1883 J-1710
Grade: NGC PF 66 CAMEO
Research: View Coin
Owner Comments

1883 5C
Judd-1710, Pollock-1914
Rarity: Low R.6, PR66 Cam


Struck in a magnetic alloy of 50% nickel and 50% copper with a plain edge.

Obverse:
The central obverse device is similar to the head of Liberty adopted on the regular issue five cent pieces of this year, the date is below, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the margin.

Reverse: The reverse shows the experimental nature of this pattern with 50 N./50 C. in the center, surrounded by a wreath of cotton and corn, FIVE on the upper border, CENTS on the lower border, with 13 stars arranged seven left and six right at the margin.

Comment:
Brilliant nickel-gray surfaces on this Premium Gem Cameo proof exhibit deeply mirrored fields around frosty white devices

Provenance/Appearances:
From Heritage Sell By Owner Dec 2020; Prior Heritage Feb 2014 ANA National Money Show Auction - Atlanta / Lot #5133
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