1834 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-51a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$550 PR 02-03-1991 Superior Galleries

Description

Judd-51a is a variant of the 1834 Classic Head proof half eagle, distinguished from J-51 by a difference in edge treatment, die state, or striking characteristics. The obverse and reverse designs are identical to J-51: William Kneass's Classic Head Liberty portrait with LIBERTY on the hair band and thirteen stars on the obverse, and the eagle with shield and denomination on the reverse. The Classic Head design represented a dramatic departure from the previous Capped Bust style, with reduced weight (8.36 grams versus 8.75 grams) and fineness (.8992 gold versus.9167 gold) mandated by the 1834 Act. The "a" suffix in the Judd number typically indicates a compositional or edge variant of the base number. Given the extreme rarity of proof Classic Head half eagles from this inaugural year of the type, any surviving example is of paramount numismatic importance.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Extremely rare; be 1-3 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-53a