1838 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-83

Coin Details

Description

Judd-83 is an 1838 half dollar pattern struck in silver, combining the Liberty Seated obverse with raised letters (Obverse 2) with the regular reverse of 1838 (Reverse D). The obverse features Gobrecht's Seated Liberty with "LIBERTY" in raised letters on the shield, 13 stars arranged to the left and right, and the date 1838 in a gentle curve. The reverse displays a perched upright eagle holding an olive branch and three arrows, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above and "HALF DOL." below. This reverse die is the same one used with J-75. The J-83 represents a significant die combination as it pairs the new Seated Liberty obverse with a reverse very close to the design that would be adopted for regular-issue half dollars. All strikings from the Obverse 2 die used on J-83 have been original issues rather than restrikes, confirming this as a contemporary 1838 product. Struck with proof surfaces in silver with a reeded edge.

Rarity Notes

R.7+. Approximately 3-5 examples exist.

Cross References

Pollock-91