1860 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-269, Mint Defaced

Coin Details

Auction Record

$37,375 PR60BN 01-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1860 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-269, Mint Defaced is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Civil War Patterns (1860-1865) series. The obverse features experimental designs reflecting wartime themes including patriotic motifs and alternative compositions and the reverse displays various experimental designs. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Auction record: $37,375 PR60BN 01-01-2009 Heritage Auctions. Struck in copper, 30 mm in diameter, with a lettered edge. Cataloged as PCGS #12068.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 to R-8. Extremely rare. Mint-defaced patterns are scarce across all denominations. Auction appearances are rare and values depend heavily on the degree of defacement.

Cross References

Judd-269; Pollock-317