1880 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1649

Coin Details

Auction Record

$10,925 GEM PR 10-19-2005 Stack's

Description

The copper striking of Morgan's Liberty head metric dollar design for 1880, sharing the same die pairing as J-1648 but rendered in copper rather than the goloid alloy. The warm copper surface transforms Morgan's Liberty portrait, lending it an almost medallic quality that differs markedly from the cooler tones of the silver-dominant goloid version. Morgan had already established himself as a formidable designer through his silver dollar of 1878, and his continued involvement in the metric dollar program — working alongside the newly appointed Chief Engraver Charles Barber — reflected the collegial but competitive atmosphere at the Philadelphia Mint. The copper composition makes the metric weight specifications on the reverse technically inaccurate, as with all off-metal strikings in the series, but these pieces were never intended for circulation. They served as presentation pieces and as tangible evidence of the Mint's design exploration process.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7. Approximately 8-15 examples exist. Copper strikings of Morgan-design metric patterns are slightly more available than their goloid counterparts.

Cross References

Judd J-1649, Pollock P-1849