1862 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-296

Coin Details

Auction Record

$7,200 PR65BN 05-23-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1862 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-296 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. Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. 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. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $7,200 PR65BN 05-23-2022 Heritage Auctions. Struck in copper. Cataloged as PCGS #60446.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-6 to R-7. Approximately 10-15 specimens known. Comparable in rarity to J-294 and J-295.

Cross References

Judd-296; Pollock-348; GOD OUR TRUST motto series