Set Description
The Morgan Dollar Rollout
(Click on Images to enlarge)
 George Morgan was hire after the US Treasury Department approached the Royal Mint of England in search of skilled craftsman's to help with the development of fresh US coinage and Morgan moved to the America's in 1876. As it turns out, 1877 would be a wave of new creative designs by both Morgan and William Barber, mostly using the half dollar ( 50C ) planchet. When Congress passed a new bill (the Bland-Allison Act of Feb 28th, 1878) to reinstate a silver dollar, as the Liberty Seated dollar was halted in 1873, the Mint Director had a suite of new motifs to look at for consideration for a new dollar. The MORGAN DOLLAR, as we know it today, stemmed from one of his 1877 50C pattern designs (J-1508). A side note, collecting these 1877 50 Cent patterns is a formidable task, as beautiful as they are, they are popular (and rare) and priced according, I have only elected to collect a sample to capture the theme in my collection - at least to date.
 So in early 1878 shortly after the bill was pass a few more pattern dollars were prepared centered around Morgan’s and Barber Motifs and different eagle interpretations. Eventfully Henry Linderman focused on the Morgan design. As reference in Judd’s reference book, rushing out the Morgan design resulted in many tweets over the next several years as they did not take the time to prefect the details. 1878 was also the exploration of Goloid Composition for dollars and you can refer to my Custom Pattern set to see those example.
- "Counterfeiters' Delight" - Goloid Metric Dollar Patterns
 1879 another round of great looking patterns were developed by both Morgan and Charles Barber including smaller denominations that were scaled from their Dollar motifs. Several more patterns playing around with the current Morgan dollar were prepared mostly altering the eagle wings. I have collected a few of these alternative designs a well
Click here Return to Mania's Master Pattern Listing
Mania's US Patterns- WHAT U.S. COINAGE COULD HAVE BEEN
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Set Goals
Assembling a wide range of Silver Dollar patterns that capture the creativity and nuance of the Morgan series.
Sample of my collection of 50C pieces pre-Morgan Dollar design
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| Judd-1509 |
United States
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50C 1877 J-1509 SILVERED
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NGC PF 62
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50C Morgan Head Pattern
Judd-1509, Pollock-1663
Rarity: Low R.7 PF62 Silvered
Struck in Copper with reeded Edge ( Then Silvered)
Obverse: A head of Liberty faces left, with the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM inscribed along the upper border and the date 1877 at the lower border. Thirteen stars are arranged around the border between the motto and date, seven left, six right. Liberty is wearing a cap, the band of the cap ornamented with ears of wheat, cotton leaves and bolls. The portrait is virtually identical to that which the Mint used for regular issue Morgan dollar production beginning in 1878.
Reverse: An eagle is centered in a laurel wreath, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is in a straight line over the eagle head using Gothic letters. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border and the denomination HALF DOLLAR below. Very similar to the designed used for the Morgan dollar a year later
Comment:
A full strike piece with gleaming fields and lightly frosted devices. The reverse yields faintly green, gold and rose hues along the border.
This piece was silvered, possibly at the mint to replicate a silver piece. While this would be unusual as it was common in these 1877 50C patterns to strike both silver and copper pieces. However, while the J-1508 (Silver pattern) is listed in Judd and Pollock, Uspatterns.com noted they believe none are in existence as there has been no record of such a piece in any transaction in 50 – 70 years. In fact, William Rue search of auction and fix price list dating back to 1900 had not listed any such silver piece. This adds to my belief that this piece may have been unique and silvered at the mint. Saul Techman adds that the only reference found for one of these silver pieces (J1508) was a checkmark by the A/W number in H.O. Granberg's deluxe copy of the Adams and Woodin book sold as part of the Harry Bass library by George Kolbe. This piece being the Stacks Oct 2000 piece weighing only 183.1 grains was silverplated (J1509/P1663) and may represent a reappearance of the Granberg piece now properly attributed as a J-1509.
Provenance/Appearance:
From a Private Transaction; prior Stacks Oct 2000 65th Anniversary Sale / Lot #1018
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| Judd-1514 |
United States
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50C 1877 J-1514
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NGC PF 64
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1877 50C Morgan Head Pattern
Judd-1514, Pollock-1678
Rarity: High: R.7 PF64
Struck In silver with Reeded Edge
Obverse: A head of Liberty faces left, surrounded by a beaded circle, with the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM inscribed along the upper border and the date 1877 at the lower border. Thirteen stars are arranged around the border between the motto and date, six left, seven right. Liberty is wearing a cap, the band of the cap ornamented with ears of wheat, cotton leaves and bolls. The portrait is virtually identical to that which the Mint used for regular issue Morgan dollar production beginning in 1878.
Reverse: An eagle with raised wings is perched atop a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Behind the scroll are an olive branch and three arrows. The central design is surrounded by a beaded circle, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border and the denomination HALF DOLLAR below.
Comment:
Light silver-gray iridescence complements both surfaces with wisps of deeper toning at the borders and around the design elements. The piece was lacquered years earlier and since may have been treated and retoning nicely. A tiny, mint made planchet lamination flaw is present at the reverse rim at 6:30 and serves as a diagnostic feature.
According to research by R.W. Julian, the obverse and reverse dies of Judd-1514 represent the first of four designs that George T. Morgan prepared for pattern half dollars in 1877. Only seven specimens are known in silver.
The obverse displays George T. Morgan's Liberty Head design in one its earlier forms. At the time, Morgan was a new employee at the Mint, but his work demonstrates vividly that he was destined for success. The following year, 1878, the same general motif was used on the obverse of the silver dollar, the Morgan dollars made from 1878 through 1921.
Provenance/Appearance:
Provenance: From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection, Stacks and Bowers August 2019 ANA - Session 5 /Lot 5453 . Earlier
- ex King Farouk of Egypt; Sotheby's sale of the Palace Collections of Egypt, 1954;
- Stack's sale of the Thomas A. Bergin Collection of U.S. Pattern Coins, June 1984 / lot 1247 ($3740);
- Stack‘s session of Auction '87, July-August 1987 / lot 836;
- Bowers and Merena's Nov 1988 David B. Silberman, Jr. Collection sale, /lot 5410;
- Superior's May 1990 Father Flanagan's Boys Home Sale, /lot 3333;
- Superior's February 1991 Sale, lot 1590.
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| Judd-1517 |
United States
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50C 1877 J-1517
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PCGS PF 62 Brown
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1877 50C Morgan Half Dollar,
Judd-1517, Pollock-1681,
Rarity: Low R.7, PR62 BN CAC Endorsed.
Struck in copper with a reeded edge.
Obverse: Similar to the Morgan dollar, but the head of Liberty is surrounded by a beaded circle, with 13 stars and E PLURIBUS UNUM around the edge. The date 1877 is below.
Reverse: On the reverse a so-called "defiant eagle" is perched on a scroll inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST. An olive branch points left, and three arrowheads point right.
Comment: USPatterns.com lists pedigree information for 9 traced examples of Judd-1517. This specific PR62 Brown representative does not appear on that list . However USPATTERN .COM indicate that this example could be either the
- Farouk-Sothebys 2/54, Bolender 10/55, Bergin-Stacks 6/84 PIECE cleaned, lacquered or the
- Bowers and Ruddy 5/19/1973 The Terrell Collection / Lot #996; From the Farouk Place collection
I do not think it is the Bolander example as that auction catalog and image show a clear toning streak that is not present on this example. The Terrell pieces does have a few spots that mirror this example but the photos are low quality black and white
Flashy golden-brown surfaces exhibit splashes of steel and violet color over each side. A few specks of carbon are noted.
Provenance/ Appearances
From Heritage April 2021 Central States Signature Auction / Lot #4902; Prior possible same as Bowers and Ruddy 5/19/1973 The Terrell Collection / Lot #996; From the Farouk Palace collection King Farouk-Sothebys Feb 1954
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| Judd-1524 |
United States
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50C 1877 J-1524
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PCGS PF 63
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1877 Half Dollar Babrer Liberty Head
Judd-1524, Pollock-1690
Rarity: Low R.7, PR63
Struck in silver with a reeded edge
Obverse: Head of Liberty with six stars to the left, seven to the right, and the date below. Liberty wears a wide-banded cap with the word LIBERTY, hair tied back with a ribbon. The cap is garnished by wheat and cotton.
Reverse: An eagle on a shield inside a band that carries the dual mottoes IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM in Gothic script. Around is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with HALIF DOLLAR below.
Comments: There is a rich shade of olive-gray toning that is accented by wisps of overlying gold. Smooth, assertively struck surfaces, furthermore, retain hints of underlying reflectivity.
Due to their rarity and beauty, the various pattern half dollar issues of 1877 have always been highly coveted by advanced collectors. Moreover, the surviving population of this very rare pattern likely numbers no more than ten specimens. As a result Pollock lists two variants of this obverse die in silver, one with the second 7 far from the dentils (Pollock-1690) and one with the second 7 close to the dentils (Pollock-1692).
Provenance/Appearances:
From a private sale; Priors
- Steve Ivy Dec 1980 (The Thomas Moore Sale) / Lot #1853;
- Robert L. Hughes July 1980 (The Great 80 Sale) / Lot #104,
- Stacks Nov 2009 (74th Anniversary Sale) / Lot 1745
It should be noted that both the Ivy and Huges sales claimed this was the Garrett example that sold prior however the images did not prove this out and believe this was not correct statement
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| Judd-1535 |
United States
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50C 1877 J-1535
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PCGS PF 62
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1877 50C Half Dollar,
Judd-1535, Pollock-1703,
Rarity: R.8, PR62
Ex: Simpson
Plate Coin in Pollock Reference (Fig 461)
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Struck in silver with a reeded edge.
Obverse: The obverse is the so-called "Barber's Liberty Head with coronet and wheat and cotton." The head of Liberty faces left, IN GOD WE TRUST is above and the date below. Liberty wears a coronet reading LIBERTY in raised letters. The coronet is decorated with wheat ears, cotton bolls and leaves. The stars are seven left, six right.
Reverse: The reverse is "Barber's small heraldic eagle." The eagle has a shield on its breast, clutching arrows and an olive branch. UNITED STATES and HALF DOLLAR are at the rim, with E PLURIBUS UNUM in an inner arc between the wingtips.
Comment:
Only three examples of Judd-1535 are known.
This is the former Harry Bass piece and the plate coin in Andrew Pollock's pattern reference. The two others are
1)Doughty-Reed coin in the Durham Western Heritage Museum (Omaha, Nebraska) and
2) Maris-Garrett-Queller representative in PCGS PR64 Deep Cameo.
Suffice it to say that opportunities to obtain one of the two examples in private hands are as rare as the coins themselves. This piece shows rose and golden-orange toning around the obverse borders and violet and blue hues around the reverse. The surfaces show scattered contact marks, including one below Liberty's ear.
Technical Aspects: Weight: 192.8 grains. Diameter: 30.5 mm. Die alignment: 180°.
Provenance/Appearances:
From Private transaction via Heritage Sept 2020 Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I / Lot #10320
Ex: Miguel Munoz Collection, Part III (Superior Galleries, 6/1981), lot 4;
Auction '82 (Superior Galleries, 8/1982), lot 1500,
Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection (Bowers and Merena, 5/1999), lot 1236;
Southern collection as PR60 PCGS.
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| Judd-1539a |
United States
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50C 1877 J-1539a
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PCGS PF 62
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1877 50C
Judd-1539a, Pollock-1707,
Rarity: R.8 One of Three Known Examples
. Struck in silver with a reeded edge.
Obverse:
The obverse centers around a bust of Liberty facing left that appears by Morgan depicting a variation on the Anna Williams theme, with Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath and the word LIBERTY inscribed on the cap band. The bust is surrounded by 13 stars arranged seven to the left and six to the right. IN GOD WE TRUST is inscribed above with the date below.
Reverse:
Features an eagle standing on a tablet inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM, and clutching an olive branch and three arrows. The eagle's left talon supports a shield. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is at the border above, with the denomination HALF DOLLAR below.
Comment:
This fully struck and flashy specimen is virtually brilliant, but the borders display a hint of golden toning. Delicate hairlines determine the grade. These dies were listed only in copper (Judd-1539) in the first edition of Judd. In its Bolender auction appearance Sept 1958, the lot description included the comment "cost the king [Farouk] $390 some years ago, according to the envelope, not a high price. Worth $500 to-day" , 
Additionally US Patterns made the observation that the '8' in the date is slightly over the '1' caused by the date being initially started too far to the right. (See photo)
Weight: 182.8 grains; 30.4 mm.
Provenance/Appearances:
Private sale May 2020;
USPatterns.com states three examples of Judd-1539a are known which reinforces previous auction infomation,
Palace Collections of Egypt (Sotheby's, 2/1954), part of lot 1978;
- 194th Auction (Bolender, 9/1958), lot 2084;
- R.E. Cox, Jr. Collection (Stack's, 4/1962), lot 2275;
- Branigan Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 8/1978), lot 1836;
- Morris Evans Collection (Bowers and Merena, 8/1998), lot 2092 $9775;
- Kagin's; Teletrade, 4/1999;
- Teletrade, 3/2000; & Teletrade, 8/2000 ($9800);
- The Collection of William Rau., Heritage April 2018 CSNS - Chicago / Lot #4510 ($18,014)..
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| Judd-1550 |
United States
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S$1 1878 J-1550
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PCGS PF 62
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1878 Pattern Morgan Silver Dollar
Judd-1550, Pollock-1727
Rarity: High R.7 PR62
Struck in Silver with reeded Edge
Obverse: A head of Liberty faces left with the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM above and the date 1878 below. There are 13 stars at the border arranged seven left, six right. Liberty is wearing a cap, the band of which is inscribed LIBERTY and ornamented with ears of wheat, cotton leaves and bolls. The design is nearly identical to that which the Mint adopted for regular issue Morgan dollar production.
On this particular die, the wheat ear is distant from the letter R in PLURIBUS and the small leaf between the two wheat ears nearly touches the base of the adjacent letter I.
Reverse: The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is inscribed in the field above the eagle. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is at the upper border, the denomination ONE DOLLAR at the lower border. This design is also very similar to that adopted by the Mint for regular issue Morgan dollar production, although there are only three leaves on the olive branch.
Comment: Judd-1550 is the second prototype Morgan dollar, the so-called "Notched Wing" variety that is distinguished from the first prototype (Judd-1550a) on which the bottom of the wings are shaped like a fan.
Both sides exhibit mottled light gray toning over smooth surfaces. Modest cameo contrast is seen between mirrored fields and softly frosted design elements. Several shallow scrapes around Liberty's eye are noted, and were it not for these features the grade returned by PCGS might have been as high as Proof-64. This is a rare type, with an extant population of fewer than half a dozen specimens (per uspatterns.com).
Provenance/ Appearances:
Stacks Aug 2020 Auction - Session 3 /Lot #3159; Prior Provenance: From Stacks (American Numismatic Rarities') Aug 2004 Allison Park Collection sale /Lot #1298.
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| Judd-1554 |
United States
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S$1 1878 J-1554
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NGC PF 63
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1878 $1 Barber Designed Dollar
Judd-1554, Pollock-1733 (Pollock List the P1733 as a Rarity R.6 - w/ 13 - 30 in existence)
Rarity: R.5, PR63 CAC Endorsed:
Struck in silver wit Reeded Edge
Obverse: :Liberty wears a beaded coronet and faces left. The stars are arranged 7 x 6, separated by IN GOD WE TRUST with the date below.
Reverse: :Features a standing eagle with spread wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows. E PLURIBUS UNUM is above in gothic letters. The border displays UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR with the legends separated by two stars.
Comment: :
This is the Pollock variety with star 13 distant from the curl and the upright of the B in PLURIBUS centered under the second T in STATES. The fields are brightly reflective and each side shows light, scattered reddish-golden toning with a trace of blue around the margins.
Provenance/Appearance:
From The Indian Rocks Collection Heritage April 2016 CSNS Signature Auction - Chicago / Lot #5622; Prior possible Stacks Portion July Auction 87 / Lot #839
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| Judd-1585 |
United States
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10C 1879 J-1585
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PCGS PF 65 Brown
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1879 10C Pattern Washlady Dime.
Judd-1585, Pollock-1778.
Rarity: High R.6. PR65 BN.
Struck in copper with reeded edge
Obverse: Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber's Washlady or Society Lady motif with a left facing head of Liberty. Liberty is wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and ornamented with ears of wheat, cotton leaves and bolls. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border and the date 1879 is below.
Reverse: A beaded circle encloses the denomination ONE DIME, outside of which is a wreath of wheat and cotton. The Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed within an ornamental cartouche above.
Comment:
The Washlady design is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful ever produced by the United States Mint and is one of the most eagerly sought patterns in today's market. At the time of their creation, however, the Washlady pieces were not held in as high esteem by contemporary collectors. The style of Liberty's hair, in particular, was widely criticized in that it gave the portrait a somewhat disheveled appearance. David Proskey is credited with the Washlady name as an expression of contemporary ridicule for this design, its first known use coming as part of New York Stamp and Coin's April 1891 sale of the F.W. Doughty Collection written as” …. “ Wash-lady” type : profile I., with enormous head of hair, held together by nothing visible…” The modern term "Society Lady" is a more elegant description for this motif, but examples of this type continue to be most widely known by their traditional name.
The Washlady motif appears on pattern dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars of 1879, generally in either silver or copper, although unique white metal impressions are also known for the three largest denominations.
This piece has a deep copper-brown surfaces are enhanced by a light overlay of cobalt-blue patina. Essentially mark-free, just a couple of tiny flecks are noted on this sharply defined example.
Provenance/Appearances:
From Stacks and Bowers August 2021 ANA Auction / Lot 6295; Prior
- Superior May 2003 Pre-Long Beach Elite Coin Auction /Lot #3450,
- Superior Galleries Sept 1993, Worrell Collection /Lot# 608;
- Superior Galleries May 1990 Father Flanagan’s Boy Town Auction /Lot # 3305 (Not sold);
- Superior Galleries Oct 1990 /Lot #1858 (not sold)
- Superior Galleries, Oct 1989 /Lot #3219 The Jascha Heifetz Collection Sale
- Bowers & Ruddy Jul 1981 (William R. Sieck Collection) Lot 115, From William Mitkoff. Earlier from Bowers & Ruddy Galleries
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| Judd-1587 |
United States
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10C 1879 J-1587
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PCGS PF 65 Red Brown
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1879 10C
Judd-1587, Pollock-1780
Rarity: High R.6, PR65 RB
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in copper with a reeded edge
Obverse: George T. Morgan's design using a sacle down size Liberty head that is very similar to the Morgan Dollar.
Reverse: An inner circle of small dots enclosing E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE DIME with 13 stars. An outer open wreath with bow comprises wheat, corn, cotton, and tobacco.
Comment:
This pattern, surviving to the extent of 12 to 15 specimens in both silver and copper, has been called, fittingly enough, the "Morgan dime" by generations of collectors. The present Gem would make a top-notch complement to a Morgan dollar set. Multicolor patina features yellow and green hues prevailing on the obverse with a gold and reddish reverse. An extremely attractive coin.
Provenance/Appearances:
From he Bob Simpson Collection, Heritage Nov 2020 Signature Auction / Lot #3261; Prior
- Heritage Sept 2002 Long Beach Signature Sale / Lot #9484
- Bowers & Ruddy Nov 1976 (Rivers Oaks Collection) Lot #947
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| J-1591 |
United States
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25C 1879 J-1591
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NGC PF 65 BN
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1879 Pattern Washlady Quarter
Judd-1591, Pollock-1784.
Rarity: Low R.7. Proof-65 BN+
Struck in copper with reeded edge
Obverse: Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber's Washlady or Society Lady motif with a left facing head of Liberty. Liberty is wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and ornamented with ears of wheat, cotton leaves and bolls. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border and the date 1879 is below.
Reverse: An eagle with outstretched wings clutches an olive branch in its right talon and three long arrows in its left talon. The Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed in the field directly above the eagle, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is above the motto, and the denomination QUAR DOLLAR is inscribed along the lower border.
Comment:
The Washlady design is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful ever produced by the United States Mint and is one of the most eagerly sought patterns. At the time of their creation, however, the Washlady pieces were not held in as high esteem by contemporary collectors. The style of Liberty's hair, in particular, was widely criticized in that it gave the portrait a somewhat disheveled appearance. David Proskey is credited with the Washlady name as an expression of contemporary ridicule for this design, its first known use coming as part of New York Stamp and Coin's April 1891 sale of the F.W. Doughty Collection written as” …. “ Wash-lady” type : profile I., with enormous head of hair, held together by nothing visible…” The modern term "Society Lady" is a more elegant description for this motif, but examples of this type continue to be most widely known by their traditional name. The Washlady motif appears on pattern dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars of 1879, generally in either silver or copper, although unique white metal impressions are also known for the three largest denominations.
This beautifully toned Gem has cobalt blue, antique gold and lilac undertones to dominant reddish-copper patina. The finish is modestly cameoed, the strike sharply executed and crisp throughout. A coin with superior technical quality and outstanding visual appeal.
Provenance/Appearances:
From Stacks Mar 2023 Rarities Nights / Lot # 3307; Priors
- Legend New Orleans May 2018 / Lot #838,
- Heritage Jan 2015 FUN /Lot # 6761 (PCGSPR65BN);
- Heritage Sept 2014 /Lot #3588 (PCGS65BN);
- Heritage June 2010 Long Beach /Lot #1482 (PCGS64BN);
- The Lemus Collection, Queller Family Collection Part Three Heritage 2009 April-May Cincinnati, OH (CSNS) / Lot #3550
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| Judd-1605 |
United States
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S$1 1879 J-1605
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PCGS PF 63
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1879 $1
Judd-1605, Pollock-1801
Rarity: Low R.7, PR63 CAC Endorsed
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in silver with a reeded edge
Obverse: Head of Liberty facing left with her hair tightly coiled about her head in a bun, with two flowing ribbons in back and a beaded headband inscribed LIBERTY. IN GOD WE TRUST is above and the date 1879 below. Thirteen stars are arrange on each side with 7 left and 6 right.
Reverse: An eagle with spread wings with an Oliva branch in the right talon and 3 arrows in the left. A laurel wreath wraps around underneath the eagle. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the rim -- the letters irregularly spaced -- and the denomination ONE DOLLAR is below the wreath. The motto is in small letters above the eagle.
Comment:
The Judd reference calls this William Barber obverse similar to the famous "Washlady" design, but there are also similarities to the Coiled Hair stella obverse
Each side is mostly brilliant with the occasional dab of toning around the letters and other devices. Light hairlines and a few minor scuffs account for the grade.
Provenance/Appearances:
From the Bob Simpson Collection Heritage April 2021 Central States Signature Auction / Lot #4290; Prior Stacks/ANR June 2004 The Classics Sale /Lot 1680 (as NGC PR62); Mid-American Rare Coin May 1985 GNA / Lot # 826
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| Judd-1612 |
United States
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S$1 1879 J-1612
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NGC PF 63 BN
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1879 $1 Morgan Dollar
Judd-1612, Pollock-1808
Rarity: Low R.7, PR63 BN
Struck in copper with a reeded edge.
Obverse: This issue features the adopted Morgan dollar obverse
Reverse: An alternative large perched eagle holding an olive branch (with seven leaves) and three arrows. Around the reverse border are the legends: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE DOLLAR.
Comment:
Some observers had called the eagle on the adopted reverse "scrawny."
Most of each side is deep brown with an interesting accent of green patina over the eagle on the reverse.
Provenance/Appearances:
From Heritage Sept 2020 Signature Auction / Lot #3504; Prior ANR Oct 2004 (The Pevehouse & Davis Collections) /Lot # 1053, as NGC63 BN (Passed) and reference to Bower & Ruddy Jan 1983 (Roy Harte Collection, Part 3) /Lot #2183 and accompanied by original ticket. Proof Cleaned (Photos also confirm same piece)
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| Judd-1614 |
United States
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S$1 1879 J-1614
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PCGS PF 64 Brown
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1879 $1 Morgan Dollar
Judd-1614, Pollock-1810
Rarity: Low R.7, PR64 BN
Struck in copper with a reeded edge
Obverse: The obverse is the regular die for the Morgan silver dollar.
Reverse: Roughly similar to the Morgan reverse, but the eagle's wings are lowered rather than raised, with the eagle somewhat larger and the body shaped differently--less tapered. ONE DOLLAR is beneath in tiny letters, and IN GOD WE TRUST encircles the eagle's head, but not in a script font as on the regular issue. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is roughly the same appearance as on the final product.
Comment:
A very richly and originally toned example of this Morgan Dollar
The coppery surfaces have a watery reflection under a deep layer of chestnut, violet, olive, and rose iridescent hues. Sharply struck throughout, the devices have a wonderful frost. The eye appeal is excellent
Provenance/Appearance:
From Legend Rare Coin Auctions May 2020 Legend Rare Coin Auctions / Lot #305
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| Judd-1747 |
United States
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S$1 1885 J-1747 SIMPSON
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NGC PF 63
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1885 $1 Snowden Dollar,
Judd-1747, Pollock-1959
Low R.6, PR63
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in silver with lettered edge.
Description:
The dies are the regular-issue 1885 Morgan dollar dies, but there is experimental edge lettering as follows:
* * * * * * E * / PLURIBUS * / UNUM * * * * *.
The so-called "Snowden dollars" were struck in silver, copper, and aluminum.
From 1992 LOT #1773 -- 412.6 grains. Diameter: 1.506 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
Comment:
To thwart counterfeiting, Philadelphia Mint Supt. Col. A. Loudon Snowden initiated experimentation using the tripartite collar to impart a raised edge design featuring E PLURIBUS UNUM and stars. The collar containing the edge lettering was comprised of three equal segments, each with an arc of 120°, equal to one-third the circumference. This which turned out to be difficult for Mint employees to coordinate with striking of the dies. Success was reached on June 12, 1885, with production reaching 80 to 100 coins per minute. Snowden transmitted the results by letter to Mint Director Horatio Burchard. Snowden’s edge collar experimentation was never put into practice during the 19th century. Burchard departed the Mint in mid-1885 and Snowden left the Mint’s employ the same year.
Heritage told the story of the Snowden dollar in their 2015 Central States auction:
“Snowden dollars were struck as an anti-counterfeiting measure. The edge was struck from a novel three-part collar that produced raised edge lettering on the coin. Considerable experimentation went into the production of these pieces, and on June 12, 1885 Snowden and his staff succeeded in getting the mechanism to work at normal production speeds of 80 to 100 coins per minute. Snowden retired at the end of the year, and left placement of the raised lettering to his successor. Director Burchard left office around the same time, and no one remained in the Mint who had Snowden’s insight, ability, or willingness to experiment to carry his project forward to completion. The tripartite collar was not used again until 1907 when Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ double eagles went into production.”
It seems curious that what was learned from the striking of the Snowden dollars had to be relearned in 1907 when the tripartite collar was used again, this time on the 1907 High Relief twenties. The NGC encasement does allows the edge lettering to be seen.
The coin itself is brightly mirrored and each side is covered with deep rose and gray patina. Close examination reveals a few light hairlines.
Provenance:
From Heritage 6/2021 US Coins Signature Auction / Lot #3770; Prior
Ex: Bob Simpson Collection / ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2010) /lot #5731; and Prior
The Rarities Sale (Bowers & Merena 7/31/2002) /Lot #395 ($4300) (then in older non-edge view PCGS slab);
Bowers and Merena May 1992 Somerset Collection sale / Lot # 1773 (PF61)
Kagin's 328th Sale Oct 1982 / Lot #713 as PF63 ($5500);
Kagin's Jan 1975 Beverly Hilton /Lot #955
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