1794 Half Dime Pattern - J-16

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120,000 AU50BN 11-22-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-16 is a unique copper die trial of the 1794 Flowing Hair half dime, distinguished from its counterparts by its plain edge — the only 1794 copper half dime pattern known without a reeded edge. It was struck from the Valentine 2, Logan-McCloskey 2 die pairing, one of the four known die marriages for 1794 half dimes. The obverse features the standard Flowing Hair portrait of Liberty facing right with stars flanking the portrait, LIBERTY above, and the date 1794 below. The reverse displays the small eagle within a wreath. Copper die trials of 1794 half dimes exist for three of the four known die pairings, providing a remarkable window into early Mint die-testing practices. What makes J-16 particularly notable is its plain edge, indicating it was struck on an unfinished planchet or that the Mint was experimenting with edge treatments. All regular-issue 1794 half dimes and the other copper die trials have reeded edges.

Rarity Notes

Unique (R.8). Only one specimen is known.

Cross References

Pollock-21