Series: Patterns - PR
|
#1 AU55 estimated grade
H.P. Smith Collection - S.H. & H. Chapman 6/1906:1447 - Superior 10/1974:135 - NERCA 7/1979:1357 - Kagin’s 3/1985:1591 - Heritage 5/2012:4713, $40,250 |
J-1636a is arguably the most unusual of all the 1879 $4 "Stella" Patterns because of the unique orientation of the head. This is the only variety (and perhaps the only coin) with Liberty's head oriented so that the 1 of the date is just below the point of the bust. This has been called the "Small Head" variety, but there is actually no difference between the "Normal" head and this one (here, the lettering, numbers and stars that make up the outer "legend" on this variety are closer to the milling, which makes the head appear smaller).
Only a single J-1636a is known today. It first appeared in a 1906 Chapman sale where it was offered as a copper piece. Subsequently, it was given a plating of gold and, even later, it was cleaned. This unique example can be identified by three fairly heavy marks on Liberty's throat. Researcher Andrew Pollocks wrote "This obverse is probably the first die produced" which would make it THE pattern for all the 1879 Flowing Hair $4 Patterns. As such, it is an incredibly important piece of numismatic history.
Now...if we could only find one in gold...