1861 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-280

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,900 PR67 03-31-2011 Stack's Bowers

Description

Judd-280, Pollock-326, is the final variety in the 1861 GOD OUR TRUST half dollar pattern series. This proof silver striking completes the set of motto placement experiments (J-277 through J-280) that collectively represent one of the most important pattern series in American numismatics. The motto would not appear on regular coinage until the two-cent piece of 1864, but these 1861 half dollar patterns prove that the concept was under active development from the earliest days of the Civil War. The version of the motto that eventually reached production was IN GOD WE TRUST rather than the GOD OUR TRUST tested here, a subtle but significant wording change that occurred during the multi-year development process.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-6 to R-7. Approximately 10-15 specimens known. As the last in the series, sometimes slightly more difficult to locate than J-278.

Cross References

Judd-280; Pollock-326; GOD OUR TRUST motto series