1813 Half Dollar Pattern - J-43, Brass

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,060 MS63 09-14-1992 Bowers & Merena

Description

Judd-43 is the brass version of the 1813 Capped Bust half dollar restrike, sharing the same dies as the copper J-42 but struck in a yellow brass alloy. The obverse displays John Reich's Capped Bust Liberty portrait facing left with a mob cap inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by stars and dated 1813. The reverse features the spread eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 50 C. The brass composition, uncommon among pattern coins and restrikes of this era, gives the coin a distinctive golden-yellow appearance that sets it apart from both the copper restrike and the silver originals. Like J-42, this piece was produced from retired federal dies as a numismatic curiosity. The use of brass was intended to simulate the appearance of gold, or simply reflected the availability of planchet material when these unauthorized restrikes were produced.

Rarity Notes

R.7+. Approximately 3-5 examples known in brass.

Cross References

Pollock-50