Owner Comments:
1878 $5 Five Dollar
Judd-1576, Pollock-1769
Rarity: Low R.7, Gilt PR63
Ex Simpson
Struck in copper & Gilt with a reeded edge.
Obverse: A head of Liberty faces left with IN GOD WE TRUST above, and the date 1878 below. Liberty is wearing a large cap inscribed LIBERTY and it is ornamented with 2 wheat ears. There are 13 stars at the border arranged 7 left and 6 right.
Reverse: An eagle with upraised wings is seen on the reverse. E PLURIBUS UNUM is expressed in two lines over the eagle's head.
Comment:
This design is attributed to William Barber who was impressed with Gobrecht's sketches from the 1830s. USPatterns.com estimates there are a dozen pieces known in copper, and two examples are known in gold. This is a bright yellow-gold example with complete gilt surfaces. A reddish spot at the tip of the nose of Liberty is the only mentionable non-gilt variation in color on either side.
Provenance/Appearances:
Ex Simpson Heritage May 2022 CSNS / Lot #3657; Priors;
- ANR Aug 2006 (The Old West and Franklinton Collections) / Lot #945 (as NGC62);
- Stacks Jan 2000 / Lot# 2019 (NGC62))