1855 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-175
Strike TypeCoin Details
Description
Cataloged as Judd-175, this 1855 half dollar pattern is the regular Seated Liberty half dollar struck in aluminum, from a year when the Philadelphia Mint was actively experimenting across multiple denominations. The obverse carries the Seated Liberty design by Christian Gobrecht, with Liberty seated on a rock holding a pole topped by a liberty cap, a shield at her side inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars with the date 1855 below. The reverse displays the heraldic eagle with spread wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination HALF DOL. It is the first piece the U.S. Mint struck in aluminum, and the only one known; first sold as lot 160 of George Cogan's May 1883 sale to T. Harrison Garrett, it is at Princeton University (USPatterns). Reference data: struck in aluminum with a reeded edge, rated unique. Catalogued as Judd-175, Pollock-202, Taxay EP198. metallurgical trial, ex G. Cogan 5/1883, Garrett, Princeton University.
Rarity Notes
Unique (USPatterns.com)
Cross References
Judd-175; Pollock-202; Taxay EP198
External References
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