In 1836, the U.S. Mint almost released a $1 gold piece instead of in 1849. The design on the front of Judd-67/Pollock-70 would have had the familiar Mexican "Liberty" Cap w/ rays surrounding and instead of saying "LIBERTAD" at the bottom of the cap, it would've said "LIBERTY". Here is a picture of this cool coin, which was never released, which means that it was a pattern:
@ master: I know this is off topic but I was wondering, if you are familiar with Mexican coinage, do you know the answer to my question that I posted the other day? I've been waiting for a reply but no one has taken a bite yet. Mexican coinage and paper money has some killer designs. Thanx.
The Phrygian cap came to prominence in France around 1790 and was called the "bonnet rouge" as it was red LOL it is still seen on the national emblem of France, Marianne to this day Have a look at the French Sower coins. It has appeared on American coins since 1793 even appearing on the Department of the Army Seal you can see it on the coats of arms or national flags of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Argentina, Colombia, Haiti, Cuba, Bolivia and Paraguay For the ancient Greeks it was deemed a sign of Eastern Barbariansm yet for the Romans a sign of Liberty LOL And of course it is the head gear of the Smurfs (if you dont know what they are check them out)
The pattern is true, but there were restrikes and perhaps even fantasy strikes. The Judd-67 was struck over a 1859 $1, so it was after that. 68- gold silver alloy 69 -Silver 70 -Copper with some gilt 71- Oroide ( copper, zinc, tin ~ fake gold) Also check out Judd-125 which used a similar design for a pattern 3 cent piece ( silver) restrikes also exist. Jim
I actually already knew the info, but the pic is courtesy of uspatterns.com. click search on the side then type in photo gallery
you know what? the closer I look at this coins reverse, I faintly see the word "DOLLAR". Maybe this is one of the restrikes or "fantasy" strikes if you will, mentioned by desertgem. I've never noticed that before!
@ master: Actually, I already knew of this coin, and the image source you used plus have utilized the uspatterns site previously. I was just checking in with you in case you had any additional info to offer. Thanks anyway for help with the other piece I asked about.
I'd have to check but I think that cap and rays design would have predated Mexico's use of the Cap and Rays design. If so your title would have been Mexican coins almost became US.
