1858 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-223a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$21,600 PR63BN 05-07-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-223a is the copper striking of the 1858 Paquet reverse half dollar pattern, sharing the same die pairing as the silver J-222 but struck in copper. The obverse displays the standard 1858 Liberty Seated design by Christian Gobrecht, while the reverse features Anthony C. Paquet's new eagle design with a shield, arrows, and olive branch. The copper composition allowed the Mint to test the new reverse die in a less expensive metal, a standard practice for pattern production. Like its silver counterpart J-222, this piece was struck somewhat later than 1858 using the dated obverse die. The "a" suffix in the Judd number indicates a die variety or alternative metal striking of the basic J-223 design. Copper strikings of 1858 half dollar patterns are rarer than their silver counterparts, as fewer were produced for collector distribution.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Rarer than the silver J-222 counterpart; fewer than 10 examples believed known.

Cross References

Pollock-267