NNP

1880 $1 Goloid Metric Dollar, Judd-1647, Pollock-1847, High R.7, PR66 Cameo NGC. CAC. Design. The obverse features the head of Liberty used on Barber's famous $50 half union of 1877, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above and the date 1880 below, with 13 stars arranged 7x6 on the sides. The reverse displays a circle of dots in the center enclosing 895.8 S./4.2-G./100-C./ 25 GRAMS, all within an open wreath of cotton and wheat. DEO EST GLORIA above in cartouche, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ONE DOLLAR around. The same reverse as that used on Judd-1617 of 1879. Struck in aluminum, with a reeded edge. Commentary. Goloid was an alloy consisting of gold, silver, and copper invented and patented by Dr. Wheeler Hubbell in an attempt to reduce the size and weight of the silver dollar. The goloid dollar design was first produced in 1879, and the coins were offered in three-piece pattern sets with the related metric dollar and the Stella. The sets were offered again the next year with the 1880 date. It is unclear if coins were actually struck in goloid composition, or if they were only struck in standard silver for demonstration purposes. Sets were also produced in copper and aluminum. Only four or five aluminum sets were issued in 1880, including the very rare Judd-1647 goloid dollar patterns. USPatterns.com estimates four examples of Judd-1647 remain extant, and NGC and PCGS have recorded four certification events between them (3/13). This coin is tied with two other examples for finest known. Physical Description. This stunning Premium Gem exhibits sharply detailed design elements with rich mint frost and boldly contrasted reflective fields. The mostly brilliant surfaces display a few hints of lavender and golden-tan toning. A minor lamination (as struck) extends across the lower obverse and the fields show many light striations, almost resembling the orange-peel effect seen on gold proofs of the era. Eye appeal is outstanding, to complement the high technical grade. The last auction record we can find for a Judd-1647 was in the Stack's Rothschild sale of October 2003, almost ten years ago. The advanced pattern specialist should bid accordingly. 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 @ $50; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4027, realized $47000.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.