1823 Half Dollar Pattern - J-47

Coin Details

Description

Judd-47 is a copper restrike of the 1823 Capped Bust half dollar, produced from original federal dies that were retired from service after their production run. The obverse features John Reich's Capped Bust portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a mob cap inscribed LIBERTY, with stars and the date 1823. The reverse displays the spread eagle with shield design typical of Capped Bust half dollars, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 50 C. The regular 1823 Capped Bust half dollar is itself a scarce date, and this copper restrike from the production dies represents one of the rarest forms in which the 1823 half dollar is known. Like other copper restrikes of silver denominations from this era, it was produced in the late 1850s or 1860s as a numismatic curiosity. The copper composition and any die deterioration not present on late-state silver originals help authenticate these pieces as later productions.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Pollock-52