Owner Comments:
1880 $1 Metric Dollar
Judd-1649, Pollock-1849
Rarity: Low R.7, PR65 RB
Ex: Simpson
Struck in copper with a reeded edge.
Obverse: T. Morgan's Liberty Head design as also on Judd-1622. Liberty's hair is pulled back in a bun, with a ribbon inscribed LIBERTY in incuse letters, the Latin motto above, stars seven left, six right.
Reverse: The reverse offers a wreath of cotton and wheat, with inner circle of dots enclosing 895.8 S. / 4.2 -- G. / 100 -- C. / 25 GRAMS. DEO EST GLORIA ("God is glory/To God be the glory") appears in a cartouche, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR around the margin.
Comment:
This still partially red coin has mellowed beautifully with mostly sea-green covering the obverse, more irregularly dabbed over the reverse and intermixed with cherry-red. Deeply mirrored fields. Virtually all design features are boldly defined including the obverse stars, all of which show their radials.
Technical details from the Bowers March 1994 Catalog -. 319.3 grains. Diameter: 1.403 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
Also in this catalog Bowers recited a census for the variety at that time as:
1) This piece.
2) Bowers and Ruddy, October 1977, Fairfield, Lot 90; R. Hughes, February 1978, Pacific, Lot 1416.
3) Bowers and Ruddy, December 1980, Bridgeton, Lot 1154; Stack’s, January 1987, Lot 539.
4) Kagin’s, August 1983, ANA, Lot 3038.
5) Chase Manhattan Bank; Smithsonian Institution
Provenance/Appearances:
From Heritage Sept 2020 Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I / Lot #10333 ; Prior
- Ex: Heritage May 2005 Central States Signature Sale / Lot #8343;
- American Numismatic Rarities Aug 15, 2004 The Classics Sale, The Allison Park Collection / Lot 1304 &
- ANR Jul 25, 2003 The Classics Sale, / Lot 1054;
- Bowers and Merena March 1994, The Whitney P. Sunderland Collection /Lot# 1468