1877 Pattern Half Dollar. Judd-1541, Pollock-1712. Rarity-7-. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-65+ RB (PCGS). CAC.Obv: Bust of Liberty facing left, her hair in a bun and a star tiara inscribed LIBERTY on her head. Thirteen stars encircle the periphery with the date 1877 below. The point of Libertys bust extends past the digit 1 in the date and a light die crack encircles the periphery from just past star 13 to star 5. Rev: An eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its breast clutches a ribbon in its beak which is inscribed with the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Its right talon clutches a group of three arrows, its left talon an olive sprig. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is above and the denomination HALF DOL. is below. The obverse retains nearly full autumn-orange color with minimal toning in iridescent olive-brown, while the more boldly patinated reverse is bathed in a blend of gray-brown patina and original rose-orange color. Both sides are fully struck with razor sharp design elements and modestly semi-reflective fields. A premium quality Gem in all regards, and a Proof-66 in our opinion were it not for a single carbon spot at the left obverse border between stars 4 and 5 -- a useful identifier.The dies for this half dollar pattern type were prepared by Anthony C. Paquet in early 1877. While two different obverse dies are known for Judd-1540, the silver counterpart to Judd-1541 offered here, copper impressions are known only from the cracked obverse. These are rare, the website uspatterns.com listing only seven distinct specimens.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Acquired January 1988. Earlier ex Dr. Edward Maris Collection sale, June 1886; T. Harrison Garrett to Robert and John Work Garrett, by descent, 1888; Robert Garrett interest to John Work Garrett, 1919; transfer completed 1921; John Work Garrett to the Johns Hopkins University, by gift, 1942; our (Bowers and Ruddys) sale of the Garrett Collection for the John Hopkins University, Part I, November 1979, lot 393; our (Bowers and Ruddys) William R. Sieck Collection sale, July-August 1981, lot 246. Collector envelope with attribution and provenance notes included.
