NNP

1879 $1 Morgan Dollar, Judd-1614, Pollock-1810, R.6, PR68 Red NGC. Design. The obverse is the regular-issue Morgan dollar die, but the reverse is a modified version, like the Judd-1611 and Judd-1612 with the eagle similar but lower in the field. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in large letters (compared to the remainder of the lettering), with a smaller ONE DOLLAR at the bottom, and IN GOD WE TRUST in similarly small letters in an inner arc above the eagle. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Commentary. This design by George Morgan represents one of several attempts to replace the regular production design with a more robust eagle on the reverse. Judd-1611 and Judd-1612 were earlier versions that lacked the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The surviving population probably numbers slightly more than a dozen pieces, with one specimen held by the Durham Western Heritage Museum. The present piece is the finest certified at either of the leading grading services (3/13). Sales in recent times include the extraordinary PR67 Red and Brown NGC coin in the Pre-Long Beach Auction (Superior, 5/2003), which realized $15,238. We expect this even finer Red specimen to bring much more. Physical Description. A virtually perfect specimen of this rare pattern and undoubtedly the finest known example. Although not designated as a Cameo, the richly frosted devices stand out in bold contrast against the deeply mirrored fields. The flawless surfaces are completely red, with no trace of carbon and no sign of contact. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout and the eye appeal is incredible. Census: 1 in 68 Red, 0 finer (3/13). From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4021, realized $49937.50. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.