1861 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-283

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,400 PR64 01-09-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-283, Pollock-335, is a proof half eagle pattern struck in copper during 1861. This pattern tested an experimental design for the five-dollar gold denomination during the first year of the Civil War. The Liberty Head half eagle had been in continuous production since 1839, and this pattern represents one of the periodic attempts to evaluate potential design improvements for the series. Struck in copper rather than gold, this piece was more economical to produce and allowed wider distribution among collectors and Mint officials. The copper composition gives the piece a very different appearance and feel than the gold version it was meant to represent.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7. Approximately 5-8 specimens known. Copper half eagle patterns from the Civil War era are very scarce.

Cross References

Judd-283; Pollock-335