1838 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-75b

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,000 PR62BN 09-09-2018 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-75b is a copper variant of the 1838 half dollar pattern combining the Kneass-attributed Liberty Head obverse with a Paquet-attributed perched eagle reverse. This is the second known specimen with the same J-75b die combination, distinguished from other 1838 patterns by its copper composition — most patterns in this series were struck in silver or white metal. The obverse features a Liberty head facing left in the style associated with William Kneass, while the reverse shows an eagle perched on a branch, an early experimental design by Anthony C. Paquet who would later become famous for his 1861 double eagle reverse. The 1838 half dollar pattern series represents one of the most complex and experimental periods in American Mint history, with at least 15 distinct die combinations tested as the Mint transitioned from the Capped Bust to the Liberty Seated design. This copper striking weighs approximately 206.25 grains (the original standard) and was produced as a die trial to evaluate the dies before committing to silver planchets.

Rarity Notes

R.7+. Extremely rare; only 2-4 examples exist in copper.

Cross References

Pollock-83b