| Description: |
Copper. Reeded edge. Obverse with William Barber’s capped head of Liberty facing left,
sometimes called the "Amazonian” type, but this nomenclature is better used for the
related silver issues (quarter, half, and dollar). Reverse with an eagle supporting a
shield with its left claw as used on the aforementioned silver Amazonian issues, and by
extension itself called the "Amazonian reverse.”The specialist in pattern $3 coins
will find little variety in the designs, for the vast majority of pieces are off-metal
strikings of the regular motifs. At last, in 1872 the "Amazonian” – a
distinctively different design by Barber — is encountered, adding spice to the
smorgasbord. While it would be nice to have a gold impression of this die pair, there is
but one gold coin known, leaving copper (as here) and aluminum strikings available now and
then, but not very often. The specimen we offer displays mostly golden brown surfaces
exhibiting pale blue and sea green iridescent highlights. Considerable amounts of faded
red can be seen at the borders despite the BN designation on the NGC label.Gratitude is
extended to Saul Teichman who researched the "Amazonian” name and who could not
find any reference to the term in the present context prior to 1890, in which year the
term appeared in the sale catalogue of the Lorin G. Parmelee Collection. It is supposed
the moniker was created by either Harlan P. Smith or David U. Proskey, both of whom
catalogued the sale.Teichman, one of the most careful of modern researchers, was essential
to the production of the new 8th edition of the Judd pattern book, and he is appropriately
credited on the cover. |
