1838 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-82, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

$138,000 • PR63 PCGS CAC • 11-2020 • Heritage Auctions (Bob R. Simpson Collection)

Description

Judd-82 Original is one of the most important 1838 transitional pattern half dollars, pairing the Liberty Seated obverse with raised letters (Obverse 2) with the regular Capped Bust reverse of 1836-1837 (Reverse E). The obverse features Gobrecht's Seated Liberty with "LIBERTY" in raised letters on the shield and 13 stars flanking the seated figure. The reverse uses the adopted half dollar reverse design of 1836, with a perched eagle bearing a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and three arrows, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above, and "50 CENTS" below. This die combination is a true transitional pattern, mating the new Seated Liberty obverse with the outgoing Capped Bust era reverse, making it a direct bridge between two major design types of American coinage. Only two specimens exist, making this one of the rarest of all 1838 half dollar patterns. One is certified PR62 by PCGS and appeared in Stack's Bowers auctions.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Only 2 examples exist.

Cross References

Pollock-90