1879 Pattern Morgan Half Dollar. Judd-1602, Pollock-1797. Rarity-7-. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-64 RB (PCGS). OGH.Obv: A head of Liberty faces left with the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM above, the date 1879 below, and 13 stars arranged around the border seven left, six right. The Liberty portrait is essentially identical to that used on the famous and popular Morgan silver dollar of 1878 to 1921. Rev: An eagle with spread wings clutches three arrows in its right talon and an olive sprig in its left talon, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST immediately below. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is above and the denomination HALF DOLLAR is inscribed along the lower border. Vivid deep rose surfaces retain nearly full mint color, both sides with minimal toning in faint, iridescent olive-brown that is not readily evident at all viewing angles. Sharply struck throughout, even in the centers, modest reflectivity in the fields further enhances already strong eye appeal.One of the most popular patterns, and one that also enjoys wider numismatic appeal, the use of George T. Morgans Liberty portrait previously believed to have been modeled after Anna Williams is the most desirable attribute of Judd-1602. This is also a significant rarity, of course, the website uspatterns.com providing an estimate of only a dozen or so specimens in both silver (Judd-1601) and copper. This is an outstanding Choice example in the latter composition, and it stands tall among the numerous pattern highlights in the E. Horatio Morgan Collection.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Acquired January 1991.
