Owner Comments:
1878 $5 Five Dollar,
Judd-1568a, Pollock-1759,
Rarity Low R.7, PR61 Gilt
Ex: HW Bass, Jr. Collection & Pollock Plate Coin Fig 487
Struck in copper with a reeded edge.
Obverse: Head of liberty facing left with motto - E PLURIBUS UNUM around the bust and with date 1878 below. The bust neck almost touches the millings. Liberty hair is tied in a bun, and a band extending back from Liberty forehead is inscribed LIBERTY.
Reverse: Eagle with spread wings holding an olive branch in its right talon and 3 arrows in its right. United States of America is above the eagle and denomination FIVE DOLLARS.
Comment:
These pieces were struck on thinner and slightly wider -- 25.5 mm vs 21.5 mm -- planchets than the regular issue. About a dozen examples are known. The bright gilt surfaces show no breaks in the layer of gilt, just a few spots widely scattered over each side The diameter is considerable larger than the 5 $ gold pieces.
Scattered toning spots are evident on both sides of this sharply detailed proof that displays reflective fields and lovely chocolate-brown surfaces. USPatterns.com identifies four examples of Judd-1573, including two gilt and two non-gilt and one of these is impounded at the Connecticut State Library. One or two others may exist.
63.7 Grains, 1.002”Diameter
Provenance/Appearances:
From The Estate of Charles W. Montgomery, Heritage Nov 2023 /Lot #3936
Ex:Bass Collection (Bowers and Merena, 5/1999) Lot #1365 ; Purchased From Lee Herwitt, April 17, 1972.
Plate coin for Pollock’s Pattern reference as figure 487
Plate Coin NGC Coin Explorer site for type