Owner Comments:
1850 3 Cent Silver
Judd-125, Pollock-147.
Rarity: R.4 .
Struck in silver with a plain edge
Obverse: Exhibits a liberty cap surrounded by a glory of rays with the date 1850 below. The word LIBERTY is inscribed on the band of the cap.
Reverse: A coiled palm frond encircles a Roman numeral III with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border.
Comment: An attractive design that artist Franklin Peale borrowed from Christian Gobrecht’s 1836 gold dollar pattern. James Barton Longacre prepared designs for this denomination in 1850. The dies for this pattern issue were prepared by Franklin Peale and were ready early in 1851. Obviously, the Longacre designs were preferred, since they were chosen for the final issue prepared for circulation
This diminutive pattern is subtly reflective with golden-violet toning that gathers strength at the margins. The centers are softly brought up and retain some of the planchet's rough texture. The Pollock reference records significant variance in planchet weights. Its strike suggests the present piece was coined from lighter stock.
Provenance/Appearances:
From Stacks March 2011 Baltimore Auction /Lot #6002; Prior
- Golberg Feb 2009 Pre Long Beach Lot #1322,
- Heritage Oct 2006 Dallas Signature Auction / Lot #2361;
- Heritage Aug 2004 Pittsburgh Signature Sale/ Lot #7874