Click to enlargeJ1591/P1784

Barber's "Washlady" design which was the latest attempt to create a uniform silver coinage from dime to dollar. To view the set, click here.

Today it is considered to be one of the more beautiful designs ever made by the US Mint. At that time of its striking, however, the design was not well received as, apparently, Liberty's hair and the way it was tied back was considered to be disheveled.

The Washlady name dates back to the April 1891 New York Coin and Stamp auction of the F.W. Doughty collection and was given by David Proskey.

Examples were struck as follows:

Silver J1590/P1783 with over a dozen known. To view examples for many of these, click here.

Copper J1591/P1784 as illustrated also with over a dozen known. To view examples for many of these, click here.

The specimen listed in white metal J1592/P1785 is unconfirmed. The Farouk sale coin, which used the white metal coins Adams and Woodin number was described as having been struck in copper in that sale. As the half and dollar are known to exist in white metal, it is likely that the quarter does as well unless that coin is actually J1596/P1786.

Photo courtesy of Heritage.