1839 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-96, Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$43,125 PR66 01-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-96, Pollock-104, R.8. Known as the "Backward Head" pattern, this copper restrike features an obverse closely resembling the design used on regular-issue 1839 gold eagles, but with Liberty facing right rather than left. The bust truncation has a rounded forward edge and pointed rear tip, with thirteen stars ringing the rim and the date 1839 below. The reverse employs the Medium Letters die from the regular Seated Liberty half dollars of 1840 and later. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. This variety belongs to an experimental series begun in 1838 in which multiple obverse and reverse configurations were tested for the half dollar denomination. While some pieces were genuinely struck as trial designs during 1838-1839, many were clearly restruck later as numismatic collectibles or as "trade bait" for the Mint Cabinet. The distinction between originals and restrikes can be determined by weight: originals conform to the 206.25-grain standard of the Mint Act of January 18, 1837 (.900 fine silver), while restrikes match the lighter 192-grain standard established by the Mint Act of February 21, 1853. Only three specimens of Judd-96 are known, with one held in a museum collection. These pieces, along with the entire series of 1838-1839 half dollar patterns, represent a pivotal moment in American coinage design -- the transition from the older Capped Bust style to the modern Seated Liberty motif that would define silver coinage for decades to come.