1838 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-76, Original

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-76 (Pollock-83) and rated R.7-8, this piece, listed by PCGS as an original striking, of the 1838 half dollar pattern combines the regular-issue Seated Liberty obverse (without drapery at the elbow) with an unusual heraldic eagle reverse. The reverse eagle is distinctly different from those used on other half dollar patterns of the period, with fully extended wings, an olive branch, and four arrows. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears above the eagle and the denomination below. Struck in silver with a plain edge. The obverse die used for this variety has LIBERTY incused (recessed into the surface) on the shield, which Judd references characterize as the "straight date" variant. uspatterns.com attributes every pattern from this incuse-LIBERTY obverse to restrikes of the 1870s and treats the raised-LIBERTY die as the one used for 1838 originals, so it does not recognize a J-76 original. The plain edge further distinguishes this from the reeded-edge varieties in the series. Reference data: struck in silver with a plain edge, rated R-8. Catalogued as Judd-76, Pollock-83, A/W 74, Taxay EP100. Incuse liberty obverse (so-called straight date) believed struck in mid 1870s - rusted dies.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-76; Pollock-83; Adams-Woodin 74; Taxay EP100