1839 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-94, Original

Coin Details

Description

Judd-94 Original is an 1839 half dollar pattern struck as an original issue in copper, representing a die trial for one of the half dollar die combinations tested that year. The original silver versions are classified as J-93, while J-94 represents the copper die trial. The obverse features a Liberty Seated or transitional design dated 1839, and the reverse displays one of the several eagle reverse designs employed across the 1838-1839 pattern series. Original strikings conform to the full weight standard of the Mint Act of January 18, 1837, at 206.25 grains for the silver versions, though copper specimens may vary in weight. Copper die trials were routinely produced to test die quality and alignment before committing precious metal planchets. All of the various half dollar patterns of 1838 and 1839 are incredibly rare to unique, and the copper originals are among the rarest of all, as typically only one or two copper impressions were pulled from each die combination.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Pollock-106