1882 Pattern Shield Earring Half Dollar. Judd-1700, Pollock-1902. Rarity-7-. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-64 (PCGS).Obv: George T. Morgans design with a head of Liberty facing right, the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM above, the date 1882 below, and 13 stars arranged around the border seven left, six right. Liberty wears shield-shaped earrings, and an encircling band on her head is inscribed LIBERTY. Rev: A defiant eagle with raised wings faces right and clutches an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left talon. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is above and the denomination HALF DOLLAR is below. A beautiful specimen with iridescent toning that appears to drift toward the borders, where the most vivid and varied colors are appreciable. Sharply struck overall and a delight to behold.This famous design by George T. Morgan is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful pattern motifs attributed to the 19th century United States Mint. Examples were issued in three-piece pattern Proof sets of the quarter, half dollar and silver dollar, in silver or copper. The website uspatterns.com accounts for only 11 survivors of the Judd-1700 half dollar in silver, three of which were previously owned by Colonel E.H.R. Green. A highlight of the extensive pattern offerings in this sale.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Acquired December 1987. Earlier ex F.K. Saab, October 1957; our (Stacks) session of Auction 81, July 1981, lot 1696; Heritages ANA Sale of February 1985, lot 348.
