Owner Comments:
1857 P$2 1/2 Quarter Eagle,
Judd-189, Pollock-226,
Rarity: Low R.7, PR64 Gilt
Ex: Bass
Plate piece in Pollock reference book Fig 89
Struck in Copper ( Gilt) with Reeded Edge
Obverse: The obverse depicts the portrait of Miss. Liberty facing left, with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, virtually identical to that used on nickel three-cent pieces first made in 1865. At that later time Longacre did the easy thing and copied his 1857 die.
Reverse: An eagle with wings raised, having a shield on its breast. Three arrows and an olive branch are held by its claws. Around, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and below, the denomination 2 1/2 D. The reverse design is in the style of Anthony C. Paquet, featuring a rather “surprised” appearing eagle— with thin wings, holding the requisite olive branch and arrows. Inscriptions in letters of the Paquet style surround.
Comments:
Light cameo contrast is evident on the brilliant yellow surfaces of this lovely pattern. A few scattered toning spots on each side may limit the grade, but they also provide convenient pedigree identifiers.
This is the low date variety with the digit 7 distant from Miss Liberty’s hair curl. This variety was discovered by Harry Bass who, during the 1970s, spent quite a bit of time studying patterns carefully under high magnification. His quest for different variations in punctuation, date placement, etc., explains his acquisition of multiple examples of certain.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 37.9 grains. Diameter: 17.7 mm. Die alignment: 180°. Die notes: On the present coin the date is lower in the field, with the 7 being about equidistant between a dentil and the curl.
Provenance/Appearances:
From The Estate of Charles W. Montgomery. Heritage Nov 2023 Dallas / Lot #3273: Priors
Ex: Harry X Boosel's "1873 Collection" (RARCOA, 4/1972), Lot 993;
Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection (Bowers and Merena, 5/1999), lot 1333;
Superior (10/2000), lot 4456 (Passed);
Superior (3/2001), lot 619.