1859 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-249

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,050 PR63 01-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-249 is a silver pattern half dollar featuring Paquet's Liberty Seated with fasces obverse combined with the cereal wreath reverse displaying 50 CENTS as the denomination. This die combination pairs the same Paquet obverse used on J-247/J-248 with a different denomination expression on the reverse. Liberty is seated supporting a fasces and shield, with thirteen stars and the date 1859. The reverse wreath encloses 50 CENTS rather than HALF DOLLAR, documenting another denomination format tested during the 1859 design review. Struck in silver with a reeded edge, J-249 is quite rare. The multiple denomination expressions tested across the 1859 half dollar patterns (HALF DOL., 50 CENTS, HALF DOLLAR, 50/100) reflect the Mint's thoroughness in evaluating every aspect of the proposed designs.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Fewer than 10 examples exist.

Cross References

Pollock-288