NNP

1872 $20 Amazonian Twenty Dollar, Judd-1251, Pollock-1393, R.7, PR65 Red and Brown NGC. Design. William Barber's famous Amazonian design. The obverse features a head of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap inscribed LIBERTY, facing left, with thirteen stars around and the date, 1872 below. The reverse displays an eagle with spread wings holding three arrows in its right talon and supporting a shield in its left. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around, and the denomination TWENTY DOL. is below. A scroll crossing the shield is inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Commentary. William Barber produced patterns for all six gold denominations in 1872, all using his famous Amazonian design. The reverse was copied from Barber's "Amazonian" design for the quarter, half dollar, and dollar patterns of the same date, but the obverse features a Liberty head with a Phrygian cap, rather than the seated figure used on the silver denominations. This was the only time a uniform design was produced for all six gold denominations (information courtesy of USPatterns.com). The patterns were issued in sets including all six denominations. One set is known in gold, two confirmed in aluminum, with a third reported, and about a dozen were issued in copper. Some of the copper pieces were gilt, as evidenced by the sets in lots 283 and 284 of the Woodside Collection (New York Coin & Stamp, 4/1892): {blockquote}"283. 1872 $20, $10, $5, $3, $2 ?, $1: profile of Liberty l. with Phrygian cap: by Barber. R eagle standing supports shield and motto ribbon: three arrows in r. claw: values below: copper, gilt: proofs: very rare; 6 pcs. "284 1872 $20, $10, $5, $3, $2 ?, $1: same as last but not gilt: copper: proofs: very rare; 6 pcs."{/blockquote} The estimated surviving population of Judd-1251 remains at about a dozen pieces, including gilt specimens, with one example held by the Smithsonian Institution and another in the collection of the American Numismatic Society. Physical Description. This spectacular Gem exhibits sharply detailed design elements throughout, with intricate detail showing on the strands of Liberty's hair and the eagle's feathers. The virtually pristine surfaces display an attractive blend of original red and light brown patina. A single spot on Liberty's neck can serve as a pedigree marker. The devices show frosty mint luster, and the fields are moderately reflective, under the toning. Judd-1251 is very rare in its original copper state and discerning collectors will bid accordingly. Census: 1 in 65 Red and Brown, 1 finer (2/13). From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4000, realized $49937.50. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.