Owner Comments:
1878 $5 Half Eagle,
Judd-1578, Pollock-1771,
Low R.7, PR64 RB
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in copper with a reeded edge.
Obverse: The so-called Phrygian Head or Liberty Head obverse, attributed to George T. Morgan. Liberty wears a Phrygian cap, facing left, with LIBERTY incused on the band. E PLURIBUS is to the left, UNUM to the right, with date 1878 below.
Reverse: An upright eagle with spread wings and holding an olive sprig with 3 leaves and in his right talon holding 3 arrows. IN GOD WE TRUST is in Gothic script over the eagle, with FIVE DOL. at the rim below. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is above and around at the boarder. Over all the eagle is similar to the Morgan dollar reverse but as noted by JUDD "except not as delicate“.
Struck on a regular-diameter planchet,
Comment:
About a dozen of these Phyrgian Head half eagles are known in copper, several of which have been gilted. This near-Gem survives in its natural state with glossy brown surfaces, and copper and violet accents.
Provenance:
Ex: Bob Simpson Heritage Aug 2021 ANA WFOM Auction / Lot #3212, Prior:
- Bowers & Merena Oct 1987 (The Bebee Collection) lot #1506;
- Bowers and Ruddy, Philip J. More Collection Auction April 1978 / Lot 2916 ($1600)