1859 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-244

Coin Details

Auction Record

$21,600 • PR65 RB PCGS • 01-2024 • Heritage Auctions (Simpson Collection)

Description

Judd-244 is a copper pattern half dollar from the 1859 series, combining design elements in a die pairing that differs from the standard French Head configurations. The obverse features one of the Liberty designs used in the 1859 half dollar pattern program, while the reverse displays a wreath enclosing the denomination. Struck in copper with a reeded edge, J-244 is quite rare with approximately a half dozen examples known. One notable specimen was struck on a planchet that bore an incused head of Washington, making it one of the most famous and well-pedigreed examples in the 1859 copper pattern series. That particular coin has an extraordinary provenance including the Virgil Brand Collection, Anderson-Dupont Collection, S.E. Goldsmith Collection, and Morris Evans Collection. The copper composition gives this pattern its characteristic brown and red-brown coloration.

Rarity Notes

High R.7. Approximately 6 examples known, one on a Washington host planchet.

Cross References

Pollock-300