1804 Half Eagle Pattern - J-31a, Private Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$21,600 MS64BN 01-24-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-31a is the white metal variety of the 1804 Capped Bust Right half eagle private restrike, struck from the same deteriorated federal dies as the copper J-31 and tin J-32 varieties. The obverse displays the Capped Bust Liberty portrait with stars and the date 1804, while the reverse shows the Heraldic Eagle. The white metal composition, an alloy typically consisting of tin with varying amounts of lead and antimony, was commonly used for numismatic fantasy pieces and restrikes in the mid-19th century. The dies exhibit heavy rust and cracks from decades of storage and unauthorized use outside the Mint. White metal restrikes of early American gold denominations are among the rarest of all numismatic curiosities, produced in tiny quantities to satisfy collector demand during the Civil War era when interest in rare American coins surged dramatically.

Rarity Notes

R.7+. Approximately 3 examples known in white metal.

Cross References

Pollock-6032