NNP

1879 $1 Morgan Dollar, Judd-1615, Pollock-1811, R.6, PR64 NGC. Design. The obverse displays the same design used to coin regular issue 1879 Morgan dollars. The reverse, however, exhibits a markedly different eagle with spread wings perched atop an olive branch and arrow shafts. Above the eagle are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Below is the denomination ONE DOLLAR. Struck in silver with a reeded edge. Commentary. Judd-1615 was another effort to answer the popular criticism of the reverse of the adopted design, that is, that the eagle was too scrawny. Judd-1615 is an attractive muling of two previous designs, with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM inscribed on both sides. The design was also struck in copper in 1879 (Judd-1616). More than a dozen specimens have survived. An early auction appearance was lot 175 of Rare Pattern Coins (Edgar H. Adams, 2/1911): {blockquote}"1879 Dollar. Obverse head as on standard dollar. Rev. large eagle with olive branch of nine leaves and arrows in talons. Above the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Around the border "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ONE DOLLAR." Silver. Tarnished proof. Excessively rare. The obverse by Morgan and the reverse by Barber."{/blockquote} This lot description was written by Adams two years before he would collaborate with William Woodin to produce their standard reference on patterns. The coins in the sale were undoubtedly Woodin duplicates. Physical Description. Both sides of this impressive Choice example are patinated in attractive shades of light gray and powder-blue, not unlike the coin described by Adams above. A few hints of underlying reflectivity are evident, especially at the peripheries. The design elements are well-detailed and close inspection with a loupe reveals no mentionable distractions. Visual appeal is quite strong. Census: 2 in 64, 2 finer (3/13). 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 @ $75; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4022, realized $18800.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.