1792 Half Dime Pattern - J-8

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

The Judd-8 is the unique copper impression of the 1792 Half Disme, the trial piece for what is widely considered the first regular-issue coinage of the United States. While approximately 1,500 silver half dismes (J-7) were produced under the authority of the Coinage Act of 1792, only this single copper specimen is known. The obverse features a bust of Liberty facing left with short curly hair, "LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY" around the border, and the date 1792 below. The reverse displays a small eagle facing left with wings spread, "HALF DISME," and a single star below. The coin first appeared publicly in the Mason Sale of November 1878 from the famed Joseph J. Mickley Collection. Its later owners included Lorin G. Parmelee, Charles Morris, Waldo Newcomer, John L. Roper and Donald G. Partrick (uspatterns.com). Reference data: struck in copper with a plain edge, rated unique. Catalogued as Judd-8, Pollock-8, A/W 5, Taxay EP23. ex Mickley, Parmelee, Morris, S.H. Chapman, Newcomer, Lohr, Roper.

Rarity Notes

unique (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-8; Pollock-8; Adams-Woodin 5; Taxay EP23