1879 Pattern Morgan Dollar, Judd-1613, Pollock-1809, Rarity 6, silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 68. An electric coin that is graced by deep blue toning around the periphery, with fiery yellow and red hues on both sides. The centers are lighter, and this coin has probably been stored in National Coin pages for many years, as the toning is familiar to many coins we see that have been stored that way. The surfaces are immaculate, without signs of hairlines or contact, simply put, they are perfect. We can not imagine how a finer coin could come down to us, let alone an extremely rare pattern issue. This is confirmed in the PCGS Population Report, they have graded a single coin as Proof 61, 3 as Proof 63, 2 as Proof 64, and this lone Proof 68 monster coin. It is identifiable by a small untoned spot at the top right of the S of PLURIBUS.
On the reverse, the colors stagger the imagination, the periphery is dark blue with flaming yellow highlights, the centers are deep blue with lavender highlights. Of course the strike is superb, and the quality of preservation simply can not be imagined. How did this coin survive, virtually as struck, all these years? The only signs of age are the dizzying array of colors from careful storage for decades. Somehow this one escaped the cleaning frenzy of the past decades, and remains exactly as it should, perfect in every way.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
From the Wayne Miller Collection, previous pedigree unknown.
