Owner Comments:
1879 Pattern Washlady Quarter
Judd-1591, Pollock-1784.
Rarity: Low R.7. Proof-65 BN+
Struck in copper with reeded edge
Obverse: Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber's Washlady or Society Lady motif with a left facing head of Liberty. Liberty is wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and ornamented with ears of wheat, cotton leaves and bolls. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border and the date 1879 is below.
Reverse: An eagle with outstretched wings clutches an olive branch in its right talon and three long arrows in its left talon. The Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed in the field directly above the eagle, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is above the motto, and the denomination QUAR DOLLAR is inscribed along the lower border.
Comment:
The Washlady design is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful ever produced by the United States Mint and is one of the most eagerly sought patterns. At the time of their creation, however, the Washlady pieces were not held in as high esteem by contemporary collectors. The style of Liberty's hair, in particular, was widely criticized in that it gave the portrait a somewhat disheveled appearance. David Proskey is credited with the Washlady name as an expression of contemporary ridicule for this design, its first known use coming as part of New York Stamp and Coin's April 1891 sale of the F.W. Doughty Collection written as” …. “ Wash-lady” type : profile I., with enormous head of hair, held together by nothing visible…” The modern term "Society Lady" is a more elegant description for this motif, but examples of this type continue to be most widely known by their traditional name. The Washlady motif appears on pattern dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars of 1879, generally in either silver or copper, although unique white metal impressions are also known for the three largest denominations.
This beautifully toned Gem has cobalt blue, antique gold and lilac undertones to dominant reddish-copper patina. The finish is modestly cameoed, the strike sharply executed and crisp throughout. A coin with superior technical quality and outstanding visual appeal.
Provenance/Appearances:
From Stacks Mar 2023 Rarities Nights / Lot # 3307; Priors
- Legend New Orleans May 2018 / Lot #838,
- Heritage Jan 2015 FUN /Lot # 6761 (PCGSPR65BN);
- Heritage Sept 2014 /Lot #3588 (PCGS65BN);
- Heritage June 2010 Long Beach /Lot #1482 (PCGS64BN);
- The Lemus Collection, Queller Family Collection Part Three Heritage 2009 April-May Cincinnati, OH (CSNS) / Lot #3550