Owner Comments:
1871 Quarter Eagle In Copper
Judd-1164 Pollock P-1306
Rarity:High R.7, (3-7 Extant pieces) Likely only 4 pieces known; PR65RB CAC Endorsed
Struck in Copper with reeded Edge
Design: The regular dies for the 1871 Liberty quarter eagle, struck in copper.
Comments:
An incredible Premium Gem proof with a cameo contrast, and essentially red surfaces, only a hint of light brown toning show only slight brown toning acquired over the years appears on the design elements, splashes of pale violet patina. A boldly detailed, glittering proof that is probably the finest known example of Judd-1164. Interesting that in 2009 this was a full RB Cameo but crossed over to PCGS now only a 65 RB yet with a CAC endorsement
In the 1860s and 1870s, the Philadelphia Mint served as an active coin dealer, with the legal ability to create their own inventory, unlike private dealers. Sometimes called dies trial pieces, the copper and aluminum strikes from regular-design gold dies were most likely issued for collectors. The present piece has considerable field-to-device contrast with mostly brilliant red surfaces that show only slight brown toning acquired over the years
The current offering was part of a small group of U.S. gold patterns offered in the T. Henry Allen sale by Stack's in February 1977. It was described by that cataloger as
"proof, almost full mint color. Rarely seen in this lovely state of preservation." It would have been more accurate to write, "rarely seen at all.. Heritage stated that they have records of three examples of the variety, two in copper and one gilt.
Provenance/Appearances:
From The Indian Rocks Collection, Heritage April 2016 CSNS – Chicago / Lot #4892 PCGS65RB; Prior as NGC66RB’s
Heritage Sept 2014 Long Beach / Lot #3579
Heritage Jan 2011 FUN / Lot #5372
The Lemus Collection, Queller Family Collection Part Two. Heritage Jan 2009 FUN - Orlando / Lot #1820 [in NGC PR66 RB CAM Holder]
T. Henry Allen Collection (Stack's, 2/1977), lot #1137;
Census. per Heritage
1. T. Henry Allen Collection (Stack's, 2/1977), lot 1137; Queller Collection. The present specimen.
2. Superior (2/1997), lot 2665; Stack's (10/1997), lot 955; Superior (9/1998), lot 1894; Bowers and Merena (9/2001, sold 11/2001), lot 178; Heritage (1/2007), lot 1475. PR63 Red and Brown PCGS.
3. Harry X Boosel (Rarcoa, 4/1972), lot 1131; Harry W. Bass, Jr. (Bowers and Merena, 5/1999), lot 1336. PR63 Gilt.
Other Appearances. Two other citations may be included in those above, or they might be additional examples:
A. Pine Tree (3/1974), lot 434; Paramount (4/1977), lot 171. This is either number 2 above, or a new example.
B. King Farouk; Palace Collections of Egypt (Sotheby's, 2/1954), lot 1864. This could be the same as any of the above.