Patterns (1840)
History and Overview
No pattern coins are known of 1840, but one or more impressions exist from incomplete dies, struck on a wide brass planchet. Certain other uniface impressions of pattern coins are known and are preserved in the Ridgway Library in Philadelphia.19
Although no patterns survive, if indeed any were made, the year 1840 saw the Liberty Seated silver dollar struck in quantity for the first time for circulation. The design was modified from that made by Gobrecht, with Liberty now appearing less delicate, and with drapery from her left elbow. The reverse of the circulating coins featured a perched eagle holding an olive branch and three arrows, with the denomination ONE DOL. below, an adaptation of that used to coin half dollars for circulation beginning in 1838 (with Capped Bust obverse).
The modifications were made by Robert Ball Hughes, who was employed by the Mint to finesse the earlier Liberty Seated motif by Gobrecht.
Collecting Perspective
The unique brass impression from incomplete hubs (not working dies or master dies) was at one time owned by the Empire Coin Co., and at that time considered by their cataloger to be a test piece rather than a pattern coin.20