1877 Pattern Morgan Half Dollar. Judd-1515, Pollock-1679. Rarity-7+. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-64+ BN (PCGS). CAC.Obv: 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. Rev: 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. This is a gorgeous near-Gem, both sides with iridescent highlights of rose-apricot, pinkish-red and powder blue to a dominant blend of autumn-brown and steely-copper patina. Direct lighting calls forth considerable reflectivity from the fields, the design elements sharply to fully defined from a well executed strike. A delight to behold, and sure to sell for a strong premium.For many years the 1877 pattern half dollar series has been the Holy Grail of specialists. Although there are many favorites, it is generally agreed that the designs by George T. Morgan are especially beautiful. Judd-1515, and its silver counterpart Judd-1514 offered above, are generally believed to have been the first that Morgan produced, research by R.W. Julian dating their striking to February 1877. The website uspatterns.com accounts for just seven copper impressions, confirming the fleeting bidding opportunity represented by the present offering.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Acquired January 1988. Earlier ex Major Lenox R. Lohr; our (Bowers and Ruddys) sale of the River Oaks Collection of United States Pattern Coins, November 1976, lot 981; Robert L. Hughes Fixed Price Lists of 1979; Robert L. Hughes Phillip Warner Sale, January 1980, lot 51.
