1878 $5 J-1576, BN PR(PCGS#61940)

The November 2011 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

9105

Grade

PR63

Price

8,625

Lot Description

1878 Pattern Half Eagle. Judd-1576 Gilt, Pollock-1769. Rarity-7-. Proof-63 (NGC). An elegant pattern issue that was originally struck in copper with a couple of known examples now gilt with gold.  The obverse depicts Liberty facing left wearing a loose cap with her hair flowing down, stars surround with legends and date. On the reverse is an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching the olive branch and arrows in his claws somewhat reminiscent of the Morgan dollar with legends surrounding. The portrait is attributed to George T. Morgan and is one of the more popular and rare issues to come forth from the Philadelphia Mint of this century. Only two gilt examples are reported between the two grading services, plus a handful in the original copper.