1879 Morgan Silver Commemorative Pattern Set NGC PF-70 Ultra Cameo

In 1879, the U.S. Mint struck experimental pattern coins that adapted George T. Morgan’s Liberty Head—already familiar from the circulating Morgan dollar introduced in 1878—to the dime, quarter, half dollar, and an additional dollar design. These trials explored a more uniform silver coinage after earlier series such as the Standard Silver patterns. None entered circulation; Seated Liberty designs continued until the Barber series of 1892.

The set offered here is a modern commemorative 4-piece recreation struck in .999 fine silver proof, limited to a maximum of 1,879 sets. Original 1879 Morgan patterns are extremely scarce and command strong five-figure prices at auction, putting them out of reach for most collectors. This limited-edition set brings the historic designs to a wider audience.

Charles Morgan, hired as assistant engraver in 1876, had developed the Liberty portrait widely linked to Philadelphia schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams. The regular Morgan dollar’s reverse eagle was often called “scrawny,” so many 1879 patterns tested stronger alternatives, including large, perched eagles drawn from his earlier 1878 gold work.

Most original proofs were struck in silver and copper (sometimes white metal) with reeded edges in very small quantities. Varieties typically rate High Rarity-6 to Low Rarity-7 (roughly 12–20 or fewer known). They appeal to both pattern specialists and Morgan dollar collectors. A complete set is in the Smithsonian, and examples have appeared in major collections such as that of John Work Garrett. High-grade pieces commonly bring tens of thousands of dollars at auction today.

Dime (10¢) — “Morgan Dime”

New dime patterns had become uncommon after the Standard Silver series. Main silver types include:

- **Judd-1586** (silver, copper is J-1587): Miniature Morgan Liberty; reverse with E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DIME, and 13 stars inside a beaded circle, framed by a wheat-corn-cotton-tobacco wreath. About 12–15 original proofs are known in each metal. Popularly called “Morgan dimes.” Original Proofs have realized roughly $30,000–$50,000.

Quarter (25¢)

These show the Morgan Liberty with rearranged stars and motto (E PLURIBUS left, stars above, UNUM right, date below). The reverse has a large, perched eagle with olive branch and arrows, IN GOD WE TRUST, and QUARTER DOLLAR—echoing Morgan’s 1878 gold patterns.

**Judd-1593** (silver; copper is J-1594) is the primary example; slightly over a dozen known in silver. Auction results for original proofs include $26,000 and higher grades (PR67+ Cameo or PR68) at $43,000+. *(Note: Charles Barber’s separate 1879 “Washlady” patterns for the same denominations are distinct.) *

Half Dollar (50¢)

- **Judd-1599** (silver; copper is J-1600): Modified star/motto border on the Morgan Liberty; large, perched eagle reverse.

- **Judd-1601** (silver; copper is J-1602): Obverse closer to the standard Morgan layout; spread-wing eagle reverse.

Roughly a dozen or so original proofs are known per variety. Popular for the familiar portrait.  roofs have sold in the $15,000–$25,000+ range. Centers are sometimes soft.

Silver Dollar ($1.00)

Beyond the circulating Morgan dollar, 1879 patterns included:

- Pairings of the regular Morgan obverse with more robust reverse eagles (e.g., **Judd-1611** and related, with a statuesque perched eagle; about a dozen known).

- The celebrated **“Schoolgirl” dollar** (**Judd-1608** silver / **J-1609** copper): One of the most admired U.S. patterns. Youthful Liberty faces left with ribbon-tied hair, high LIBERTY headband, pearls, and flowing locks. Reverse shows a defiant left-facing eagle on a perch with IN GOD WE TRUST, olive, and arrows. Roughly 12–15 original proofs are known in silver. The reverse later appeared on the 1915-S Panama-Pacific $2.50 gold commemorative. Frequently ranked among the finest patterns of the era.

These 1879-dated pieces reflect ongoing Mint experimentation under Director Henry Linderman. Extreme rarity plus cross over appeal to Morgan collectors supports strong prices.

We have a select few of these modern private .999 silver proof 1879 silver pattern commemorative recreations. The one imaged here is the Trial example. Be sure to place your order here and now and the First Strike or even First Day of Issue examples can be yours!