162
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Dollars
967
1878. 7 TF, Reverse of 1879
.
NGC graded MS-61 and
MS-63
. Lot of 2 coins. (
PCGS # 7076
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $240 - 250
968
1878. 7/8 Strongly doubled tail feathers
.
PCGS graded
MS-64.
CAC Approved
. A nice white coin. (
PCGS # 7078
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $350 - 400
DPL 1878-CC M
ORGAN
D
OLLAR
969
1878-CC
.
NGC graded MS-65 DPL
. A nice white coin.
Pop 31; 1 finer in 65 Star
. (
PCGS # 97081
)
Estimated Value ........................................ $5,500 - 6,000
970
1878-CC
.
PCGS graded MS-65
. Nice light gold tone on both
sides. The satin-like luster is almost unimpaired by abrasions of
any size. This is a well-struck first-year example with excep-
tional details. It has no bothersome uneven color or points of
distraction. A gem! (
PCGS # 7080
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,400 - 1,500
971
1878-CC
.
NGC graded MS-65
. Attractive multi-dimensional
toning graces both sides of this Gem. Beautiful gold, lavender,
purple, blue, with steely iridescence thrown in for good mea-
sure. And on both sides. (
PCGS # 7080
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,250 - 1,300
972
1878-CC
.
PCGS graded MS-62 Prooflike
. A hint of gold
tone. (
PCGS # 7081
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $350 - 360
973
1878-S
.
NGC graded MS-65
. A satiny gem. Minor marks on
the cheek and the reverse, otherwise this coin would be graded
a point higher. Good eye appeal and very attractive. (
PCGS #
7082
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $250 - 275
974
1878-S
.
NGC graded MS-65
. Frosty surfaces and pastel lus-
ter on both sides. Boldly struck. (
PCGS # 7082
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $250 - 275
W
HITE
G
EM
P
ROOF
1879 M
ORGAN
D
OLLAR
975
1879
.
PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo
. Only 1,100
minted. A wonderful white Gem Proof Cameo. Bright snow-
white surfaces with a change to more subtle “mirror black
depth” when the coin is viewed at an angle; any refracted
light seems to be drawn into the coin as though into a Black
Hole in space! Liberty’s profile, along with the strikingly
beautiful spread-winged eagle, rise in stark cameo frosted
relief against this endlessly swirling, mesmerizing mirror
pool. It is thought that the Proofs of 1879 were still being
struck on the old Mint screw press which gave a unique
style of "squeeze" to the coin blanks during striking. Some-
time in 1880 or thereabouts, the screw press was retired
and the Mint's hydraulic Medal Press substituted for striking
the annual Proof coins. Some scholars even claim to be
able to tell from the coins when this change occurred. Put-
ting aside the luster for now, on to the strike. Here again, it
is easy to see this piece received a full, sharp blow by the
dies. Probably a good many are not nearly as carefully
struck as this fabulous Superb Gem 1879 Morgan Dollar,
the coin has no suggestion or even a whisper of weakness
at the main devices.
Pop 5; 1 finer in 68
. (
PCGS #
87314
)
The Year 1879: The U.S. Mint was reopened to the free
mintage of gold after the hiatus of the Civil War and Recon-
struction, on January 2, 1879. In celebrating the event
General James A. Garfield (later President) stated in an
address delivered in Chicago:
"We shall hear echoes of the old conflict, such as the 'bar-
barism and cowardice of gold and silver'and the 'virtues of
fiat money' The theories which gave them birth will linger
among us like belated ghosts, but soon will find rest in the
political grave of dead issues."
Garfield warned that the 'periodic craze' of fiat paper
money might sweep over the country from time to time.
Estimated Value ............................................ $12,000-UP
