821

1878 $1 8TF PCGS MS65

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 USD
1878 $1 8TF PCGS MS65
Fully struck in all areas with pinpoint detailing on the tips of the feathers in the breast as well as nice separation between waves of hair on Liberty. Untoned cartwheel luster on nice satin surfaces.

The designer of the new dollar of 1878, George Morgan, had originally been brought over from his native England in 1876 by Director Linderman to redesign the minor silver coinage. A design contest for the new dollar, which pitted Morgan against Chief Engraver William Barber, began in the latter part of 1877.

Morgan was to win the contest because Linderman sent a friend to advise Morgan on his models. The director, having invited Morgan to America, felt a personal interest in the young engraver's career and saw to it that he won. The winning design was technically illegal under the 1873 act, (a motto was on the wrong side) but Linderman brushed this off by noting that a fine artistic work ought not to be hindered by silly laws. (#7072)