1839 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-100a

Coin Details

Description

Judd-100a is a copper variant of the 1839 half dollar pattern, extending the experimental half dollar coinage series begun in 1838. The obverse features a modified Capped Bust design or transitional Liberty design dated 1839, while the reverse displays an eagle design consistent with the various reverses used across the 1838-1839 half dollar pattern series. The suffix "a" in the Judd number indicates a copper composition rather than the standard silver of J-100. Copper die trials were routinely produced at the Philadelphia Mint to test die quality before committing to precious metal strikes. The 1839 half dollar patterns continued the experimentation that began in 1838, as the Mint evaluated numerous die combinations before settling on the final Liberty Seated design adopted for regular coinage. All half dollar patterns of 1838 and 1839 are incredibly rare to unique, with the sole exceptions of J-72 and J-73 in silver, making pieces like J-100a among the most coveted objects in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Extremely rare; unique or nearly so in copper.

Cross References

Pollock-110a