NNP

1878 $1 Morgan Dollar, Judd-1550, Pollock-1727, R.7, PR66 NGC. Design. The design on both sides is similar to the adopted Morgan dollar, but on the obverse the point of the bust truncation is nearer to star 1 than to the 1 in the date. The wheat ear in Liberty's cap is distant from the R in PLURIBUS. On the reverse there are "cut-in" notches where the eagle's lower wings join to its torso. Struck in silver with a reeded edge. Commentary. A prototype of the Morgan dollar, Judd-1550 is very similar to the other silver prototype of this date, Judd-1550A, except for the "notches" where the wings join the body. Research by Roger W. Burdette shows that at least 50 pieces of Judd-1550 and Judd-1550A were struck between December 1, 1877 and January 2, 1878. Specimens were also struck in copper (Judd-1551). Although USPatterns.com estimates no more than six examples remain in either composition, the number of auction appearances and certification events suggests a slightly larger population. Judd-1550 resembles the adopted design so closely that examples have sometimes been mistakenly cataloged as Morgan dollars, like the coin in lot 916 of the Mathew Stickney Collection (Henry Chapman, 6/1907). The present coin is the finest certified example at NGC or PCGS (3/13). Physical Description. A delicate patina of lavender, gray, sea-green, and powder-blue hues blankets the surfaces of this impressive Premium Gem, with frosty devices and reflective fields underneath. The design elements are well-detailed in most areas, with just the slightest touch of softness on the eagle's breast. No individually mentionable post-strike defects are evident and overall eye appeal is quite strong. Provenance. "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $40; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4013, realized $23500.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.