Eric P. Newman Collection, Part I (Envelopes)

1881 3C Liberty Head Three Cents, Judd-1669, Pollock-1870, R.7, PR64+ Red and Brown NGC. CAC. Design. Three cent nickel pattern featuring the head on the obverse similar to that used on the adopted Liberty nickel of 1883. The reverse has a Roman numeral III in the center, surrounded by a wreath of cotton and corn. Struck in copper with a plain edge. Commentary. The Charles Barber Liberty Head appears on one cent, three cent, and five cent patterns of 1881 that were issued in sets for collectors. Nickel and aluminum examples of each denomination were also issued and likely also sold in three-piece sets. PCGS has certified 17 submissions and NGC has certified just four, suggesting that PCGS has received a number of resubmissions. Physical Description. The obverse of this Choice proof has considerable orange mint color with light brown toning over the central device and a splash of blue in the lower right field. The reverse displays a lovely blend of faded orange mint color and light brown toning with delicate blue overtones. A highly appealing example. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4032, realized $5581.25. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1881 P1C Liberty Cent, Judd-1667, Pollock-1867, R.7, PR67 Cameo NGC. CAC. Design. The obverse features Charles Barber's Liberty head design normally associated with 1883 to 1913 nickels, although here in diminutive form with the date below and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around. The reverse has a tall Roman numeral I surrounded by a wreath of wheat and cotton. Struck in aluminum with a plain edge. Commentary. This is by far the finest Judd-1667 cent pattern we have handled, and it is only the fourth appearance in our auctions in the last two decades. Prior to certification of the Newman example, NGC had seen just two examples of Judd-1667, both graded PR65. The PCGS website indicates that seven examples have been certified, a population that strongly suggests multiple submissions of fewer coins. About a half dozen are known, according to USPatterns.com, although we feel that figure is optimistic and fewer actually survive. Physical Description. This tiny pattern packs a strong punch with brilliant light gray surfaces and excellent field-to-device contrast. Both sides are deeply mirrored with lustrous devices. Surface marks are limited to scattered lint marks and minimal planchet flakes as struck. An exceptional and highly appealing pattern cent. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4031, realized $15275.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1880 P$1 Goloid Metric Dollar, Judd-1656, Pollock-1856, High R.7, PR65 S Cameo NGC. CAC. Design. The left-facing head of Liberty shows the hair braided and coiled at the back of her head. A band inscribed LIBERTY encircles her hair. There are 13 stars at the border, 7 left and 6 right with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM above, and the date below. The reverse inscription 15.3 - G. 236.7 - S. 28 - C. 14 GRAMS is centered within a circle of 38 stars. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination GOLOID METRIC DOLLAR are above the circle, and the motto DEO EST GLORIA and 100 CENTS are below. The reverse expresses the denomination in two different ways, one of the few patterns to do so. Struck in aluminum with a reeded edge. Commentary. The USPatterns.com website states that "about four" examples of Judd-1656 are known. The Newman example and one other certified PR66 are the only two submissions examined at NGC, while PCGS has seen one PR63 and another graded PR67. It is likely that the four certified pieces are the only ones known. We handled the PR63 PCGS coin in January 1999 and the PR67 PCGS example in March 2006, and that was the last auction appearance of this Judd variety. Physical Description. A few faint lines on Liberty's cheek are observed on this Gem Cameo proof, with the obverse bordering on Ultra Cameo contrast. The reverse also borders on Ultra Cameo contrast. The surfaces are light gray, consistent with the composition, and contact marks are minimal. A highly appealing example of a classic pattern design. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4030, realized $25850.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1880 $1 Goloid Metric Dollar, Judd-1655, Pollock-1855, R.7, PR66 Red and Brown NGC. CAC. Design. The obverse is the Coiled Hair design of George T. Morgan, with Liberty's hair tightly braided and coiled at the back of the head. E PLURIBUS UNUM is above, with stars seven left, six right, and date below. The reverse has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 100 CENTS around the outer periphery, with GOLOID METRIC DOLLAR and DEO EST GLORIA in an inner circle. A circle of stars is further inward, with 15.3--G. / 236.7--S. / 28--C. / 14 GRAMS in the center. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Commentary. Mint engravers George T. Morgan and William Barber both produced two designs for goloid metric dollars in 1879, and the designs were repeated in 1880 with the new date. The ostensible purpose for the goloid dollars and the related four dollar stellas was to establish an international currency and provide additional outlets for Western silver production. Whether any of the coins were actually struck in goloid alloy is open to question, as most examples seen appear to be standard silver and gold composition. The coins were issued in sets in silver (or goloid) composition (Judd-1654), copper (Judd-1655), and aluminum (Judd-1656). Probably 12-15 examples of Judd-1655 are still extant in various grades and color designations. The present coin is tied with three other examples, two at NGC and one at PCGS, for finest known honors (3/13). Physical Description. The well-preserved surfaces of this spectacular Premium Gem are patinated in attractive shades of original red, light brown, and blue, with brightly reflective fields under the toning. The design elements are sharply detailed in all areas, with full star center lines and intricate hair detail. Close inspection reveals no mentionable signs of contact and no carbon spots. The eye appeal is outstanding. Census: 3 in 66 Red and Brown, 0 finer (3/13). Provenance. "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $35; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4029, realized $15275.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1880 $1 Goloid Metric Dollar, Judd-1652, Pollock-1852, High R.7, PR67 Red NGC. CAC. Design. The obverse features a head of Liberty facing left, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above and the date 1880 below, 13 stars are arranged in a 7x6 pattern at the sides. Liberty wears a Phrygian cap ornamented with cotton and wheat, with LIBERTY inscribed in incuse letters on the band. The reverse shows a circle of 38 stars surrounding the inscription 15.3 - G. 236.7 - S. 28 - C. 14 GRAMS at the center, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and GOLOID METRIC DOLLAR above and DEO EST GLORIA and 100 CENTS below. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Commentary. The design for Judd-1652 was also used to strike examples in silver or goloid composition (Judd-1651) and aluminum (Judd-1653)in 1880. The design was used the previous year to also strike Judd-1626 through Judd-1630. The reverse is one of the few designs in American coinage to express the denomination in two different ways. USPatterns.com estimates the surviving population of Judd-1652 at a little more than a dozen examples. That total includes a specimen in the Byron Reed Collection in the Durham Western Heritage Museum and another in the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation. Physical Description. This magnificent Superb Gem offers blazing original red surfaces, with deeply mirrored fields and no trace of carbon. Razor-sharp definition is evident on all design elements, including star center lines and hair strands. The frosty devices stand out against the reflective fields with definite elements of contrast. The eye appeal is extraordinary. This coin is the single finest certified at either of the leading grading services (3/13). Provenance. "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $20; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4028, realized $36718.75. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1880 $1 Goloid Metric Dollar, Judd-1647, Pollock-1847, High R.7, PR66 Cameo NGC. CAC. Design. The obverse features the head of Liberty used on Barber's famous $50 half union of 1877, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above and the date 1880 below, with 13 stars arranged 7x6 on the sides. The reverse displays a circle of dots in the center enclosing 895.8 S./4.2-G./100-C./ 25 GRAMS, all within an open wreath of cotton and wheat. DEO EST GLORIA above in cartouche, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ONE DOLLAR around. The same reverse as that used on Judd-1617 of 1879. Struck in aluminum, with a reeded edge. Commentary. Goloid was an alloy consisting of gold, silver, and copper invented and patented by Dr. Wheeler Hubbell in an attempt to reduce the size and weight of the silver dollar. The goloid dollar design was first produced in 1879, and the coins were offered in three-piece pattern sets with the related metric dollar and the Stella. The sets were offered again the next year with the 1880 date. It is unclear if coins were actually struck in goloid composition, or if they were only struck in standard silver for demonstration purposes. Sets were also produced in copper and aluminum. Only four or five aluminum sets were issued in 1880, including the very rare Judd-1647 goloid dollar patterns. USPatterns.com estimates four examples of Judd-1647 remain extant, and NGC and PCGS have recorded four certification events between them (3/13). This coin is tied with two other examples for finest known. Physical Description. This stunning Premium Gem exhibits sharply detailed design elements with rich mint frost and boldly contrasted reflective fields. The mostly brilliant surfaces display a few hints of lavender and golden-tan toning. A minor lamination (as struck) extends across the lower obverse and the fields show many light striations, almost resembling the orange-peel effect seen on gold proofs of the era. Eye appeal is outstanding, to complement the high technical grade. The last auction record we can find for a Judd-1647 was in the Stack's Rothschild sale of October 2003, almost ten years ago. The advanced pattern specialist should bid accordingly. Provenance. "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $50; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4027, realized $47000.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1879 $20 Metric Twenty Dollar, Judd-1644, Pollock-1844, R.7 (but at least 4 gilt), PR64+ Red and Brown NGC. CAC. Design. Similar to that featured on the regular issue Liberty double eagle of 1879, but there are two significant differences. The obverse periphery is inscribed * 30 * G * 1.5 * S * 3.5 * C * 35 * G * R * A * M * S *, and the motto DEO EST GLORIA has been substituted for IN GOD WE TRUST within the reverse stars. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Commentary. The Metric twenty dollar patterns are kin to the "Stellas" or four dollar gold patterns first produced the same year. The weight pattern encoded around the obverse of a Metric twenty dollar pattern is an exact five-times multiple of the values on a stella: 6 G, .3 S, .7 C, 7 GRAMS. For this reason the Metric twenty dollar patterns sometimes are called "Quintuple Stellas," though they have eagle devices on the reverses instead of five-pointed stars. There are three varieties of Metric twenty dollars, of which the Judd-1644 in copper is the most frequently seen, but even it is very rare to extremely rare. The Judd-1643, the same design in gold, is extremely rare without question, while the Judd-1642, a copper impression without a decimal point between the 3 and 5 of "3.5 * C," is unique. Physical Description. This is a generally well-preserved pattern that straddles the line between near-Gem and Gem grades. Clearly reflective surfaces show significant reddish-orange color but also olive and violet mellowing. Small flyspecks affect each side, most visibly a pair on Liberty's cheek and another in the reverse glory, but there are few hairlines and next-to-no contact marks. A tiny lint strike-through, as made, appears just to the left of Liberty's neck. The six certified examples in the combined NGC-PCGS population are split between two gilt specimens, graded PR61 and PR62 by PCGS, and four non-gilt examples divided equally between the services. NGC has graded a PR64+ example, the present coin, and another at PR65. The two PCGS examples appear as PR64 and PR65 (3/13). From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4026, realized $188000.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1879 $1 Goloid Metric Dollar, Judd-1632, Pollock-1829, R.7, PR66 Red NGC. Design. George Morgan's design for a goloid metric dollar with the head of Liberty facing left on the obverse, hair braided and coiled at the back of her head, E PLURIBUS UNUM above and the date 1879 below, with stars on the left and right side. On the reverse, the elemental components are central to that side and surrounded by a small circle of stars, and two other circles of statutory requirements between the stars and the rim. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Eric P. Newman's envelope describes this as "The splendid head with coiled hair by Morgan." Commentary. Although a dozen or more examples are known in bronze, few can equal the Newman example. This Premium Gem is the finest of seven pieces that NGC has examined, and it is finer than any of the 10 grading events at PCGS. Examples of this pattern variety are also known in silver (or goloid), aluminum, and white metal. The design was repeated in 1880. Physical Description. An incredible Premium Gem with brilliant orange mint color throughout. The design elements are boldly impressed, displaying frosty luster within a deeply mirrored frame. Minute mellowing of the original mint color is evident, with a few scattered carbon flecks. This is an amazing example that ranks as the finest known Judd-1632 pattern dollar. Provenance. "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $35; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4025, realized $41125.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1879 $1 Metric Dollar, Judd-1623, Pollock-1819, R.7, PR65 Red and Brown NGC. CAC. Design. Metric Dollar design by George Morgan, featuring a bland, rarely seen head of Liberty, hair brushed back and fastened in a bun, and with a wide ribbon at the top of the head. The reverse is the standard Metric dollar design with DEO EST GLORIA featured prominently above the composition in the center. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Commentary. This design was engraved by George Morgan and was struck in silver or goloid composition (Judd-1622), aluminum (Judd-1624), and white metal (Judd-1625), as well as the copper (Judd-1623) in 1879. The design was repeated in 1880 on Judd-1648 through Judd-1650. The coins were issued in sets with the Morgan goloid metric dollars and the Coiled Hair stellas. USPatterns.com estimates about a dozen examples of Judd-1623 remain extant. Surprisingly, this issue was unknown to Robert Coulton Davis when he wrote his seminal work on patterns in 1885. The last auction record we can find for Judd-1623 in Red and Brown was the magnificent PR67 Red and Brown PCGS example from the Harry Bass Collection that sold in lot 4584 of the FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2006), which realized $23,000. Physical Description. The well-preserved surfaces of this delightful Gem display a mix of original red and grayish-brown patina, with more red on the reverse. The design elements exhibit pinpoint definition throughout, with exquisite detail on the hair strands and full star center lines. The devices are frosty and the fields are brightly reflective, beneath the toning. The eye appeal is outstanding. Census: 1 in 65 Red and Brown, 1 finer (3/13). Provenance. "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $35; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4024, realized $19975.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

1879 $1 Metric Dollar, Judd-1618, Pollock-1813, R.5, PR63 NGC. CAC. Design. William Barber's Metric dollar shows Liberty wearing a coronet with a border of pearls. The reverse displays a partial wreath of cotton and corn tied at the base, a ribbon, and inscriptions that include DEO EST GLORIA and the elemental composition of goloid. Struck in silver with a reeded edge. Commentary. The obverse resembles the $50 half union patterns of 1877. This design was formulated by William Barber, but probably executed by his son Charles. The design was struck in silver or goloid composition (Judd-1617), copper (Judd-1619), aluminum (Judd-1620), white metal (Judd-1620A), and lead (Judd-1621). The coins were offered in sets with Barber's other goloid dollar design (Judd-1626) and the Flowing Hair Stellas (Judd-1635). The designs were repeated in 1880. Physical Description. The design elements of this attractive Select specimen are sharply detailed; the fields are brightly reflective, under pleasing shades of champagne-gold and lavender-gray toning. Close inspection reveals few signs of contact, the most noticeable being a few short scratches in the inner circle on the reverse. The eye appeal is excellent. Census: 1 in 63, 3 finer (3/13). From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4023, realized $3525.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.