1806 Half Dollar Die Trial - J-A1806-1, Private Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$25,300 MS63 08-08-2010 Stack's

Description

This white metal die trial is a private restrike from the dies of the 1806 Draped Bust half dollar, one of the workhorse denominations of the early American monetary system. The obverse features John Reich's modifications to Robert Scot's Draped Bust Liberty design, while the reverse displays the Heraldic Eagle. The 1806 half dollar saw substantial production with over 839,000 pieces struck for circulation across multiple die varieties cataloged by Overton. This die trial in white metal — a soft alloy of lead and tin — was produced as a private restrike, during the mid-19th century when retired Mint dies occasionally found their way into the hands of collectors and entrepreneurs. White metal was a preferred medium for such restrikes because it captured fine die detail with low striking pressure and at minimal material cost. The soft metal also meant these pieces could be produced with relatively simple press equipment outside the Mint. For collectors, private restrikes in white metal provide an affordable way to study the original die work and represent an important chapter in the history of American numismatic collecting.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. White metal private restrikes from early half dollar dies survive in very small numbers.

Cross References

Judd-A1806-1