1859 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-240a

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-240a, this 1859 half dollar pattern is a copper impression struck from the regular Seated Liberty half dollar proof dies. The obverse presents the standard Seated Liberty figure with thirteen surrounding stars and the date 1859, while the reverse features the heraldic eagle without motto, as used on half dollars from 1839 through 1866. The estimated proof mintage of 800 half dollars in 1859 exceeded collector demand, and the actual number sold was almost certainly lower. Even so, the 1859 proof is more available than the preceding year's issue, which was produced in smaller numbers during the first year of publicized proof sales. Walter Breen identified three obverse dies for this date and noted that both the old and new reverse hubs were employed in creating proof dies, though most if not all 1859 proofs display the old reverse hub of 1842-1858. This copper striking preserves the same designs in a different metal, with a reeded edge consistent with the regular silver issue, and is considerably rarer than the standard silver proofs.