1838 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-76, Original

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-76 (Pollock-83) and rated R.7-8, placing it among the great rarities with four to twelve surviving examples, this 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. This particular obverse die is associated with original strikings from 1838, as opposed to the raised-LIBERTY obverse found on later restrike productions. The plain edge further distinguishes this from the reeded-edge varieties in the series. With its R.7-8 rating, this is among the most challenging 1838 half dollar patterns to acquire.