1838 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-82, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Judd-82 Original is an 1838 transitional pattern half dollar, 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. uspatterns.com confirms two specimens. One is certified PR62 by PCGS and appeared in Stack's Bowers auctions. Reference data: struck in silver with a reeded edge, rated R-8. Catalogued as Judd-82, Pollock-90, A/W 79, Taxay EP105. Raised liberty obverse (so-called curved date) Judd book lists a restrike which if it exists should have the incuse liberty (so-called straight date) obverse die.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-82; Pollock-90; Adams-Woodin 79; Taxay EP105