1859 Proof Half Dime Pattern - J-232

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-232, Pollock-279, this 1859 proof half dime features Anthony C. Paquet's revised interpretation of the Seated Liberty figure on the obverse, which was used only for the regular proofs of this single year. Paquet's Liberty has a restyled head with a more upright posture, and the surrounding stars have distinctive hollow centers. The reverse carries the standard wreath design of the 1838-1859 half dime series. This Paquet obverse was ultimately rejected for subsequent regular coinage, though it reappeared on the rare transitional patterns of 1859-1860. The estimated production of 800 proof sets in 1859 proved overly ambitious for the nascent collector market, and an undetermined number of unsold pieces were consigned to the melting pot, leaving the actual surviving population well below the original mintage. This piece is struck in copper-nickel with a reeded edge, representing an off-metal impression of the half dime dies rather than the standard silver composition.