A heavy silver shahi, Abbas II(1052–1077 AH/1642–1666AD), Tabriz mint, dated 1072AH/1661AD, 9.2g, 28mm. Two silver coins during the reign of Suleiman I ( 1077–1105 AH/ 1666–1694AD). A heavy silver shahi, Irwan mint, dated 1098AH/ 1687AD, 7.4g, 24mm. A heavy shahi, Irwan mint, dated 1105AH/ 1693AD, 7.3g, 23mm. Five silver coins during the reign of Sultan Husayn (1105–1135 AH/1694–1722AD). A heavy silver shahi, Nakhjawan mint, dated 1107AH/ 1695AD, 7.3g, 24mm. A silver shahi, Kashan mint, dated 1130AH/ 1718AD, 5.4g, 24mm. A silver shahi, Isfahan mint, dated 1131AH/ 1719AD, 5.2g, 24mm. A silver shahi, Resht mint, dated 1132AH/ 1720AD, 5.2g, 21mm.

SAFAVID, TEMP. SULEIMAN I AND SULTAN HUSAYN, SEVEN SILVER COINS, DATED

Extraordinary Reginald Huth Medal Princess Kaiulani, Four Dolphins in Copper Likely Unique "1893" (1895) Reginald Huth Medal. Princess Kaiulani. Medcalf-Russell 2MH-5B. Copper. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). An extraordinary rarity in an already rare series of beautifully designed, specially produced medals. Gorgeous surfaces are warmly toned overall in medium brown with hints of olive intermingled on both sides. The persistent viewer aided by strong lighting will further discern traces of faded mint orange color as well as iridescent undertones of lilac and cobalt blue, the latter colors more prevalent on the reverse. The fields also present as semi-reflective at direct viewing angles, the finish otherwise lightly frosted, and in any event highly appealing. Fully struck and carefully preserved, provenance concerns alone compel us to mention a few tiny speckles of carbon in the right obverse field, between the letters SO in SORORIS and the adjacent dolphin. There are no handling marks or otherwise troublesome blemishes, the eye appeal outstanding and the Gem quality assured. This is a rare type that does not represent a pattern or circulating issue. Rather, these medals were produced by Messrs. Pinches & Co. of London expressly for Reginald Huth's private collection and distribution to friends and admirers of royalty. Huth was a wealthy Londoner and numismatist. He also had limited quantities of medals produced for Spain and Madagascar. The first of the Huth Hawaiian medals appeared in Honolulu in 1901; they remain extremely rare and are seldom offered for sale in today's market. The present specimen is believed unique for this die pairing in copper, for the mintage of "2 copper" given in the 1991 edition of the Medcalf-Russell reference Hawaiian Money is believed to include one each of the single dolphin (2HM-3) and dour dolphins (2HM-5) Princess Kaiulani types. Regarding Reginald Huth (1853-1926) this numismatist and patron of the medallic arts had his estate coin collection sold through Sotheby's in April and June 1927. As a humorous aside, it has been said that Huth's abject terror at the thought of germs led him to wash his coins before admitting them to his cabinet; we wonder if these numismatic baths affected the prices of his pieces when they were sold. Provenance: From Heritage's FUN Signature Auction of January 2018, lot 5225. PCGS# 636887. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Click here to see Coins in Motion.

"1893" (1895) Reginald Huth Medal. Princess Kaiulani. Medcalf-Russell

Desirable 1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10 1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10. K-7. Rarity-4. AU-50 (PCGS). OGH. Attractive bright honey-gold color with hints of pinkish-rose and olive iridescence discernible under direct lighting. The surfaces are remarkably smooth for a lightly circulated example of this type, both sides free of sizeable or otherwise singularly distracting marks. Faint hairlines and a somewhat glossy texture are noted for accuracy, although appreciable frosty luster remains to further endear this coin to advanced territorial gold collectors. If the PCGS AU-58 example in the preceding lot proves elusive, the current offering of a scarce AU-50 certified by the same service represents a second fleeting bidding opportunity for advanced collectors of privately issued Gold Rush era coinage. Provenance: From the Collection of The Master’s Gardener. PCGS# 10141. NGC ID: ANK4. Click here for certification details from PCGS.

1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10. K-7. Rarity-4. AU-50 (PCGS). OGH.

Flashy 1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10 Gold in PCGS AU-58 1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10. K-7. Rarity-4. AU-58 (PCGS). Impressively brilliant and equally lustrous yellow gold with warm olive highlights. Lightly circulated but not heavily marked, and a treat as such. Typical strike for the date, sharp in Liberty's tresses but some weakness is present within the eagle's plumage and talons on the reverse. Modeled after federal $10 gold eagles of the era, but here Liberty's tiara proudly proclaims PIKES PEAK. A faint network of obverse die cracks is noted. Among the finest examples of the issue certified by PCGS. While the California Gold Rush steals much of the limelight, the discovery of gold in Colorado in the late 1850s is no less important. As prospectors returned eastward from the Colorado gold fields, they brought with them tales of the challenges in conducting any form of trade in gold dust, a common complaint during the earlier California and Appalachian gold rushes. Three enterprising merchants in Leavenworth, Kansas, brothers Austin and Milton Clark and merchant Emmanuel Gruber heard these stories and decided that it might be a profitable enterprise to provide banking and assay services in the gold fields and in early 1860 formed Clark, Gruber & Company as a bank, assay office, and mint. In mid 1860, the firm commenced striking coins in $2.50, $5, $10, and $20 denominations using gold dust of high purity. The coins were quickly accepted by the miners and soon Clark, Gruber & Co. became the most prolific of the comparatively few Colorado coiners. The high purity of the locally mined alloy proved to be a detriment in circulation since the coins wore easily, so the following year Clark, Gruber & Co. added a higher concentration of silver to the alloy, while keeping the total gold content roughly 1% higher than their federal equivalents to ensure continued use. In 1862, the company ceased coining operations after producing just under $600,000 face value in their coins. The federal government took notice of the operation and in April 1863 bought the Clark, Gruber & Co. facility and equipment. The government converted the facility to an assay office before finally converting it to a branch mint in 1906. The coins were widely accepted in local commerce for many years and as a result most specimens are found in very low grades. With plenty of eye appeal, this 1861 $10 would be an important addition to any territorial gold cabinet. Provenance: From our (Stack's) Americana Sale of January 2010, lot 3801. PCGS Population: 19; 7 finer (MS-63 finest). PCGS# 10141. NGC ID: ANK4. Click here for certification details from PCGS.

1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10. K-7. Rarity-4. AU-58 (PCGS).

Beautiful Mint State 1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. "Mountain Ten" Rare Copper Die Trial 1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10 Die Trial. K-3. Rarity-7-. Copper. Reeded Edge. MS-63 BN (PCGS). In the late 1850s, while the nation was still reeling from the effects of the disastrous Panic of 1857, gold was discovered in the Territory of Jefferson, attracting fortune seekers from all over. Many prospectors from the East Coast undertook the dangerous journey westward, passing through Leavenworth, Kansas where Austin and Milton Clark and merchant Emmanuel Gruber had set up a provisioning business. Reading about the gold finds and hearing the tales told by the prospective settlers, all three partners decided to establish a private banking and assay firm in what would soon be renamed Colorado. In 1860, the partners reached Denver and quickly set up the office of Clark, Gruber & Company, which was ready in July that same year to begin producing their gold coinage. The precious metal used to make Clark, Gruber & Co.'s $2.50, $5, and $10 gold pieces did not meet federal purity standards, so in order to compensate the firm deliberately made their coins overweight, to the point that the coins' intrinsic value exceeded stated face value by about 1%. The coins were eagerly accepted and soon Clark, Gruber & Co. became by far the largest and most important of the Colorado private coiners. While the two smaller denominations resembled their federal counterparts, the obverses of both the 1860 $10 and 1860 $20 bore a distinctive if completely fanciful representation of Pike's Peak (which in no way resembles the actual mountain), the legend PIKE'S PEAK GOLD, and with DENVER below the base of the mountain, and finally beneath that the value TEN D. or TWENTY D. The $10 pieces were the first coins to be produced at the new private mint, an occasion that was recorded by the Rocky Mountain News on July 25, 1860, who were invited to watch the first coins come off the press. The issues proved successful and by October of 1860, some $120,000 worth in all had been struck. While short lived - the subsequent 1861 $10 and 1861 $20 bear designs that closely resemble contemporary U.S. Mint coinage to facilitate use - the Mountain design has since become synonymous with Colorado territorial coinage of all types. Writing in the outstanding 2023 reference America's Golden Age: Private & Pioneer Gold Coins of the United States 1786-1862, Don Kagin and David McCarthy account for only 100 to 150 survivors of the 1860 "Mountain Ten" in gold. Clark, Gruber & Co. also produced a limited number of die trials, the copper "Mountain Ten" offered here likely made shortly before coinage began in gold on July 25, 1860. As a group, the patterns and die trials from Clark, Gruber & Co. are the most frequently seen within this specialized segment of private and territorial gold and related coinage. In an absolute sense, however, all off-metal strikings from this firm are rare, the present example one of perhaps only a dozen or so copper impressions of the 1860 $10. It is a handsome and inviting Mint State example, the surfaces hard and frosty with a hint of reflectivity in the fields. Warm chestnut-brown patina and crisp strike detail provide further visual appeal. The obverse is double struck, as clearly seen on the peak of the mountain and at the peripheral letters. Provenance: Newly rediscovered in an old collection. First known auction offering. PCGS# 10145. NGC ID: F37K. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10 Die Trial. K-3. Rarity-7-. Copper. Reeded

Choice AU 1852 Assay Office Ten-Dollar 1852 United States Assay Office of Gold $10. K-12 OFFICE Right. Rarity-4. AU-55 (PCGS). Pretty color in bright, vivid golden-olive adorns both sides. The strike is excellent overall with strong definition, including on the delicate lacework design on the reverse and throughout much of the eagle's plumage on the obverse. There are no sizeable marks, and abundant frosty luster remains. Earlier private minting operations in California were effectively shut down earlier in 1851 due to assays by Jacob R. Eckfeldt and William E. Du Bois revealing that many of these coins were worth less than their stated denominations, as well as damning exposés by James King. Moffat & Co.'s coins were largely unaffected and kept producing desperately needed lower denomination coins. John Little Moffat retired in February of 1852 from the firm he founded, Moffat & Co., which promptly dissolved. Moffat & Co.'s original contract to issue gold ingots and coins on behalf of the federal government was transferred to its successor, the United States Assay Office of Gold, headed by Joseph R. Curtis, Philo H. Perry and Samuel H. Ward. As part of the original terms of the government contract, the Assay Office of Gold was prohibited from issuing any "ingot" in denominations under $50, therefore not providing any relief from the chronic coin shortages that plagued the gold bearing regions. Repeated petitions went unheeded until finally the Treasury relented and permitted the USAOG to produce coins in $10 and $20 denominations. These pieces found an immediately receptive audience and they circulated widely until the San Francisco Mint could finally fill the need. There are two principal varieties of the 1852 $10 coin based on the placement of the letter O in OFFICE in relation to the word UNITED. Here, the O is directly under the N and the dentils are weak on the reverse, which is the most frequently encountered variety of the basic K-12 attribution. Available in lower to middle level circulated grade levels, the K-12 OFFICE Right is quite scarce in problem-free AU or Mint State. This is an all-around appealing coin that has much to offer discriminating numismatists. PCGS# 10001. NGC ID: ANGV. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

1852 United States Assay Office of Gold $10. K-12 OFFICE Right. Rarity-4.

Historically Significant 1849 Norris, Gregg & Norris $5 1849 Norris, Gregg & Norris $5. K-4. Rarity-5. Period After Alloy. Reeded Edge. VF-35 (PCGS). Attractive straw-gold color with wisps of pinkish-rose and warm underlying olive. This is an overall boldly defined mid grade example that allows full appreciation of this classic design type. Numerous tiny marks pepper both sides, although none are singularly distracting or otherwise worthy of undue attention. The persistent viewer aided by strong lighting will be rewarded with flashes of original frosty luster. Widely believed to be one of the first of the California private mints, partners Thomas H. Norris, Hiram A. Norris, and Charles Gregg established their firm in Benicia City sometime in early 1849. The May 31, 1849 edition of the Daily Alta California noted a new $5 coin that "in general appearance it resembles the United States coin of the same value, but it bears the private stamp of 'Norris, Grieg [sic] & Norris', and is in other particulars widely different." While looking nothing like their federal counterparts, the obverse of the Norris, Gregg & Norris $5 piece is almost purely inscriptional side from a ring of stars, while the reverse has an eagle with drooping wings completely unlike the Gobrecht half eagle. There is little indication that the coins were anything other than readily accepted in commerce and an assay by Jacob R. Eckfeldt and William E. DuBois substantiated their purity. Later in 1850, Norris, Gregg & Norris established a branch in Stockton and struck 1850-dated $5 coins marked STOCKTON known only from a unique specimen permanently impounded in the Smithsonian collection. Unfortunately, history does not record what happened to Norris, Gregg, & Norris; references to the coins in local papers had ceased by 1851, so it is likely that the partners dissolved the firm not long before. Despite what seems to have been a limited emission of coins, several varieties of the 1849 $5 are known with plain and reeded edges, as well as with or without a period after the word ALLOY. Large numbers of these coins ended up in the San Francisco Mint's crucibles along with most other privately issued coins, making every survivor from this period significant in their own right. Rich in history and charm from the very beginning of private coinage in Gold Rush California, this specimen will certainly form the basis for any advanced cabinet of territorial gold. Provenance: From the John P. Burnham Collection. Earlier from Anthony Terranova, October 23, 1981. PCGS# 10282. NGC ID: ANJE. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA. Click here to see Coins in Motion.

1849 Norris, Gregg & Norris $5. K-4. Rarity-5. Period After Alloy.

Exceedingly Rare 1878 Judd-1552 Pattern Silver Dollar Final Transitional Morgan Issue Only Three Confirmed 1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar. Judd-1552, Pollock-1729. Rarity-8. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-60 (PCGS). Obv: Very similar to the design that the Mint adopted for regular issue Morgan silver dollar production in 1878. The tip of Liberty's neck truncation is centered between star 1 and the digit 1 in the date, and the wheat ear at the top of Liberty's cap is distant from the letter R in PLURIBUS. Rev: Similar to the regular issue design of the 7 Tailfeathers hub type, although there are five berries on the olive branch instead of one, the eagle's wings are somewhat thinner and pointier, the designer's (Morgan's) initial M is not in the ribbon bow, and the word AMERICA starts further away from the eagle's left wingtip than on other varieties. This is a sharply struck specimen that allows full appreciation of all intricacies of the design. Cleaned at one time and lacquered with a combination of subdued and curiously glossy qualities to explain the PCGS qualifier, the surfaces have retoned in dominant charcoal-olive with underlying pinkish-rose and steel-blue iridescence. The uspatterns.com website describes this type as "the final Morgan dollar transitional issue" and observes that it is included in Walter Breen's 1988 Encyclopedia (Breen-5499), in which it is stated that these were struck on February 25, 1878. Judd-1552 is a major rarity with only three specimens positively confirmed as of this writing: 1 - PCGS Proof-64 Cameo. Ex Brinton T. Schorrer, May 3, 1973; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; our (Bowers and Merena's) sale of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part I, May 1999, lot 1278. This coin was certified Proof-64 by PCGS at the time of our Bass I sale, which grading event still appears on the PCGS Population Report. 2 - PCGS Proof-62. Ex our (Bowers and Merena's) Lexington Collection sale, January 1994, lot 1595. 3 - PCGS Proof-60. Ex Spink America's sale of October 2001, lot 438. The present example. Earlier collections in which an example of Judd-1552 were included are those of G.D. Woodside, William H. Woodin, Waldo C. Newcomer, "Colonel" E.H.R. Green, and King Farouk of Egypt. There is also the ex Dewitt Smith, H.O. Granberg specimen. All of these are believed to represent additional provenances for one or more of the three positively confirmed specimens listed above. Given the extreme popularity of the regular issue Morgan dollar series with collectors, and the extreme rarity of the Judd-1552 transitional issue, our present offering of the PCGS Proof-60 specimen is sure to see spirited bidding among astute collectors. It is a highly significant coin that would do equally well in a dedicated pattern collection or as part of an advanced Morgan dollar set. Provenance: From the H.E. Prestige Collection. Earlier from Spink America's sale of October 2001, lot 438. PCGS# 61913. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar. Judd-1552, Pollock-1729. Rarity-8. Silver.

Second Prototype Morgan Dollar Rarity Judd-1551 in Copper Only Seven Confirmed 1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar. Judd-1551, Pollock-1728. Rarity-6+. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). CAC. CMQ. 26.14 grams. Obv: Virtually identical to the design that the Mint adopted for regular issue Morgan dollar production in 1878. The point of the neck truncation is centered between star 1 and the digit 1 in the date, the wheat leaf at the top of Liberty's cap is distant from the letter R in PLURIBUS, and the designer's initial M is incuse on Liberty's neck. Rev: Similar to the adopted design, with notched wings, although there are only three leaves on the branch in the eagle's talon. A gorgeous specimen, abundant mint orange color shines through light olive-copper iridescence on the reverse. The obverse is more warmly patinated in autumn-orange and olive-brown, although hints of underlying mint orange color remain to be appreciated at the borders. This is the copper counterpart to Judd-1550, one of the silver prototype Morgan dollars included in the 50 (or more)-coin mintage of such pieces achieved by the Mint between December 1, 1877 and January 2, 1878 (per Roger W. Burdette, as reported on the uspatterns.com website). The same source confirms the awesome rarity of Judd-1551 in copper through the brief comment "with 7 confirmed." A highlight of the extensive pattern Morgan dollars offered in this sale, this premium Gem in PCGS/CAC/CMQ Proof-65 Red and Brown is a real treat for the advanced collector. Provenance: From the H.E. Prestige Collection. Earlier from Paramount's session of Auction '85, July 1985, lot 1310; Prestige Investments. PCGS Population: 1; with a single Proof-66+ RB finer in this category. CAC Stickered Population: 1; 0. PCGS# 71912. NGC ID: 2AF3. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar. Judd-1551, Pollock-1728. Rarity-6+. Copper.

Extremely Popular 1878 First Prototype Morgan Dollar Judd-1550a "Fanshaped" Wing Attachments Struck in Silver 1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar. Judd-1550a, Pollock-1725. Rarity-6-. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-63+ (PCGS). CAC. CMQ. Obv: Virtually identical to the design that the Mint adopted for regular issue Morgan dollar production in 1878. The point of the neck truncation is closer to star 1 than to digit 1 in the date, the wheat leaf at the top of Liberty's cap is below the left edge of the letter R in PLURIBUS, and the designer's initial M is raised on Liberty's neck instead of incuse. Rev: Similar to the adopted design, although there are only three leaves on the branch in the eagle's talon and the wing attachments to the eagle's torso are "fan shaped" instead of notched. This is a wonderfully original specimen with the eye appeal of at least a Choice Proof grade. Warmly toned in a blend of olive-copper, pewter gray and cobalt blue, both sides also reveal vivid undertones of gold, pink, red and blue colors as the surfaces dip into direct lighting. The strike is sharply executed, as expected, and what few handling marks are present to confirm the Proof-63+ grade are faint and well concealed by the toning. This is a perennially popular type that enjoys equally strong demand among advanced Morgan dollar collectors and dedicated pattern enthusiasts. The first prototype of what would eventually become George T. Morgan's famous silver dollar feature only three leaves on the reverse branch and "fanshaped" wing attachments for the eagle. According to Roger Burdette (as related on the uspatterns.com website), the Mint struck at least 50 silver impressions of both this type (Judd-1550a) and its notched-wing counterpart (Judd-1550) between December 1, 1877 and January 2, 1878. Copper examples were also produced, an example of which is being offered in the following lot. Provenance: From the H.E. Prestige Collection. Earlier from Spink & Son USA's Auction No. 1, September 1982, lot 380. PCGS Population: 1; 6 finer in this category (Proof-65 finest). CAC Stickered Population: 2; 5. The former total includes coins certified both Proof-63 and Proof-63+. PCGS# 61911. NGC ID: 2AF2. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar. Judd-1550a, Pollock-1725. Rarity-6-. Silver.

Rare and Exciting Judd-1550a Pattern Morgan Dollar 1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar. Judd-1550a, Pollock-1723. Rarity-6-. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-63 (PCGS). CAC. CMQ. Obv: Essentially the same design that the Mint adopted for regular issue Morgan silver dollar production in 1878. On examples of Pollock-1723, as represented by the coin in this lot, the point of the truncation of Liberty's neck is centered between star 1 and the digit 1 in the date. Additionally, the wheat ear at the top of Liberty's cap touches the right tip of the base of the letter R in PLURIBUS. Rev: Also very similar in design to that adopted for the regular issue Morgan dollar series, but there are two important differences. First, there are no notches on the undersides of the eagle's wings where they join the torso. Second, there are three leaves on the branch in the eagle's right talon, all of which are clustered at the end of the branch. This Select Proof specimen is a real delight to behold, what with richly original toning in olive-gray and champagne-gold that gives way to cobalt blue here and there at the rims. The strike is razor sharp throughout and there are few blemishes in evidence. A highly significant pattern featuring Morgan's famous design, this coin is sure to see spirited bidding. The Judd-1550 and Judd-1550a patterns represent the first silver strikings of the design that would eventually develop into the regular issue Morgan silver dollar. Approximately 50 specimens were struck in the Mint from December 1, 1877 to January 2, 1878, using several different die pairings. Given the extreme popularity of the Morgan dollar with collectors, these patterns enjoy an equally strong following among advanced specialists. A rare type, the die variety represented by the Pollock-1723 attribution has an extant population of "about a half dozen...in both silver and copper" (per uspatterns.com). Provenance: From the H.E. Prestige Collection. PCGS Population: 5; 7 finer in this category (Proof-65 finest). PCGS# 61911. NGC ID: 2AF2. Click here for certification details from PCGS.

1878 Pattern Morgan Dollar. Judd-1550a, Pollock-1723. Rarity-6-. Silver.

Illustrious 1877 Judd-1517 Pattern Half Dollar Variation on a Beautiful Morgan Theme 1877 Pattern Morgan Half Dollar. Judd-1517, Pollock-1681. Rarity-7-. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). CMQ. Obv: George T. Morgan's left-facing Liberty head that the Mint would later use for the regular issue Morgan silver dollar series of 1878 to 1921. The portrait is set within a beaded circle, outside of which are the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM (above) and the date 1877 (below). Also arranged at the border are 13 stars, six left and seven right. Rev: A spread-wing eagle is perched atop a scroll inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Behind the scroll are an olive branch and three arrows, two of the arrows with a thunderbolt shape. The central design is bordered by a beaded circle outside of which is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (above) and the denomination HALF DOLLAR (below). An attractive blend of red mint color fades to warm copper-brown patina with lilac and teal highlights. A tiny spot on the reverse joins the upper edge of the eagle's left wing and serves as a useful provenance marker. Judd-1517 is one of the famous pattern Morgan half dollars of 1877, examples of which were also struck in silver (Judd-1516). According to the uspatterns.com website, at least nine copper impressions from these dies are known. Market appearances for these are usually few and far between and, indeed, this is the only example of this Judd number that we have handled since 2010. The present offering is a fleeting one that deserves the utmost in attention from advanced pattern enthusiasts. Provenance: From Lester Merkin's sale of September 1967, lot 540; Coronet Coin Fixed Price List; our (Bowers and Ruddy's) sale of the Armand Champa Collection, May 1972, lot 1066; our (Bowers and Ruddy's) William R. Sieck Collection sale, July 1981, lot 236; Superior's Clark E. Adams and Duncan MacMillan Collections sale, October 1992, lot 1265; Heritage's ANA Signature Sale of August 1996, lot 5175; our (Bowers and Merena's) Rarities Sale of August 1998, lot 2082; Robert Shippee; our November 2023 Auction, lot 3285. PCGS Population: 2; 2 finer in this category (Proof-66+ RB finest). There are no specimens certified in the RD category at either PCGS or NGC. PCGS# 71855. NGC ID: 2ADZ. Click here for certification details from PCGS.