1839 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-91, Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

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 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. uspatterns.com dates the J-91 pieces to the 1870s and confirms two. The J-91 restrike preserves one of the several die combinations explored during the pivotal 1838-1839 design transition. Reference data: struck in silver with a reeded edge, rated R-8. Catalogued as Judd-91, Pollock-101, A/W 95. believed struck in mid-1870s.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-91; Pollock-101; Adams-Woodin 95