1877 50C J-1516, DCAM PR66DCAM Certification #44160940, PCGS #134086

Ron Guth

Judd 1516 is a very rare coin, with only six examples known.  The obverse features a small bust of Liberty by George T. Morgan, indentical to the larger bust which eventually appeared on the Silver Dollars of 1878.  The reverse features a highly stylized American bald eagle with it's wings spread in an unnatural, but attractive, pose.  The eagle perches atop a pedestal inscribed with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.  On this reverse, two of the arrows are bent sharply, reminding the viewer of lightning bolts.  This variety is often struck weakly in the centers because two of the highest points on the coin oppose each other in that position.  Simpson's J-1516 is the finest of the Deep Cameo examples and it hails from the R.E. Cox and Mark Hagen Collections.