Crossing the Block: The Samuel J. Berngard Collection of U.S. Pattern Coins

By Greg Cohen, Numismatist and Consignment Director

Among the wonderful collections highlighting our March Baltimore sale, and anchoring one of the most extensive selections of pattern coins that we have had the pleasure of offering in quite some time, is the collection of Dr. Samuel J. Berngard. Dr. Berngard is a passionate collector, who over the years has assembled several impressive collections that we have offered at auction, including his prized collection of territorial and pioneer gold coins (sold by Stack’s in July 2008 just prior to the ANA convention in Baltimore). After the sale of his territorial gold coins, he decided to collect pattern coins; the rarity and the diverse nature of the designs of “what could have been” enticed his numismatic senses. His collection of patterns focuses on Rarity-7 and Rarity-8 varieties and the rare and beautiful pattern half dollars of 1877. Also of interest to Dr. Berngard were the “transitional” patterns dated 1863-1865 featuring the motto “In God We Trust,” or its variation “God Our Trust.” While the majority of the coins are from the 1860s and 1870s, the collection ranges in date from 1838 to the 1960s. Many of the coins will be offered in our first ever Baltimore Rarities Night, with the balance of the coins offered in the main sale catalogue. In addition to being rare or exceedingly so, a good number of coins in his collection are pedigreed to some of the most famous pattern collections offered in recent memory: Simpson, Bass, and Queller/Lemus. Because of the rarity of the issues, the successful bidder, if interested, could spend a few hours and uncover further pedigree connections back to other great collections of the. All of us at Stack’s Bowers are very proud to have been selected by Dr. Berngard to offer his wonderful pattern collection to the collecting public. If pattern coins are an area of interest for you, another collection of patterns like this is unlikely to be offered anytime soon. To paraphrase our Chairman Emeritus, Q. David Bowers, an opportunity to acquire such significant items is as rare as the coins offered.