1877 Half Dollar

HBCC#:

6135

Breen#:

n/a

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

1528

Pollock#:

1696

This helmeted head of Miss Liberty is attributed to engraver William Barber; however, it may have actually been prepared by George Morgan. The die is not signed and shows certain elements similar to the work of both engravers. Andrew Pollock listed just five examples of this pattern issue in his reference, with the possibility of duplication among two of these. A single example of this design combination is also known in copper.

Provenance:

Dr. J. Hewitt Judd; Abe Kosoff's Illustrated History, 1962, Lot 505; Lester Merkin's sale of June 26, 1970, Lot 648.

Obverse:

Helmeted head of Liberty to left, Defiant Eagle motif on helmet, feathered crest on helmet as well, visor of helmet reads LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST above bust, date below, seven stars before portrait, six stars behind. Under close examination the helmet reveals a wealth of fascinating detail – one of the most surprising motifs of the era.

Reverse:

Fanciful Heraldic Eagle at center, wings spread and upraised, arrows in left talon, olive branch in right, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HALF DOLLAR around, E PLURIBUS UNUM in small letters between the eagle's wing tips.

Commentary:

"Gifted to HBRF, 12/91, Half Dollar. Rev: Heraldic Eagle. Morgan design pattern half."