1859 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-243

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,160 PR63 05-07-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-243 is a silver pattern half dollar featuring a mule of two different obverse designs -- combining elements from both Longacre's and Paquet's half dollar patterns in an unusual die pairing. This fantasy mule was produced by pairing dies from the two concurrent half dollar pattern programs (Longacre's French Head series and Paquet's Seated Liberty series) to create a novel collector piece. The coin was struck in silver with a reeded edge. Such mule patterns were produced at the Mint under Director Snowden's permissive attitude toward pattern production for collector sale and trade. Fantasy mules are among the most intriguing items in the 1859 pattern series, as they combine design elements that were never intended to appear together. J-243 is quite rare, with only a handful of examples known to collectors.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Fewer than 10 examples exist.

Cross References

Pollock-299