1879 50C J-1601 PR65 Certification #39525940, PCGS #61979

Ron Guth

Judd 1601 is a silver version of George Morgan's 1879 Pattern Half Dollar.  The obverse is nearly identical to that of the regular-issue Morgan Dollar, which is one reason this Pattern is so popular.  The reverse features a plain eagle, with it's wings turned downward and with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST squeezed in between the eagle and the outer legends. 

Collectors have done a good job of preserving Judd 1601's.  Most are Gem or better, several have incredible toning and eye appeal, and at least three different PR67's are known to exist.  The quality of the strike varies, with several pieces showing flat centers, especially on the hair above Liberty's ear; others show a stronger, though not quite full, strikes.  Cameo and Deep Cameo examples exist, but they seem to be the exception rather than the norm.