1839 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-91, Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$66,000 PR63 09-29-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-91 Restrike is a later production of the 1839 half dollar pattern, pairing an 1839-dated obverse die with a flying eagle reverse (Reverse B). The obverse features a modified Liberty design dated 1839, while the reverse shows Gobrecht's iconic flying eagle in a plain field with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above and "HALF DOLLAR" below. This same reverse die was used across multiple 1838 and 1839 half dollar patterns, including J-73, J-74, and J-79, demonstrating how the Mint freely mixed and matched obverse and reverse dies during this experimental period. The restrike conforms to the reduced weight standard of the 1853 Mint Act at 192 grains, lighter than the original 206.25-grain standard. These half dollar pattern restrikes were produced in the late 1850s or 1860s as numismatic delicacies for collectors. The J-91 restrike preserves one of the several die combinations explored during the pivotal 1838-1839 design transition.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Pollock-103