1838 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-74, Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$57,500 • PR66 BN NGC • 11-2019 • Heritage Auctions (Bob R. Simpson Collection)

Description

Judd-74 Restrike is the copper restrike version of the 1838 half dollar pattern, combining the Kneass-attributed Liberty head obverse (Obverse 1) with Gobrecht's flying eagle reverse (Reverse B). The obverse features Liberty facing left with luxuriant tresses, "LIBERTY" on the ribbon in her hair, seven stars to the left, six to the right, and the date 1838 below. The reverse shows Gobrecht's flying eagle in a plain field, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above and "HALF DOLLAR" below. Struck in copper, this piece is unique in this composition. The presence of die cracks and die rust on both sides indicates it was struck at a late die state, dating its production to as late as the 1870s. This restrike was produced to satisfy collector demand, functioning as a numismatic "trade bait" piece rather than an official Mint product. It appeared in Heritage Auctions' Bob R. Simpson Collection sale.

Rarity Notes

Unique (R.8). Only 1 example is known in copper.

Cross References

Pollock-78