1866 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-538
Strike TypeCoin Details
Description
The 1866 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-538 is a proof half dollar pattern struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Reconstruction Era Patterns (1866-1869) series. It has the regular Seated Liberty half dollar design but a reverse without the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, which the regular half dollar carried from 1866. Judd lists it in silver with a reeded edge, and USPatterns.com rates it unique. USPatterns.com calls it a fantasy piece, struck for the collector Robert Coulton Davis probably around 1869 or in the early 1870s, after the regular coins had taken the motto. It was taken in the 1967 robbery of the Willis du Pont collection, recovered in December 1999, and donated to the Smithsonian in November 2014 (USPatterns.com). It is catalogued as Judd-538, Pollock-602, Adams-Woodin 536. Cataloged as PCGS #6420.
Rarity Notes
unique (USPatterns.com)
Cross References
Judd-538; Pollock-602; Adams-Woodin 536
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.
Other Strike Types in This Series
Collector Essentials
Tools and references for building and protecting your coin collection.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
A must-have for examining coin details, mint marks, and surface quality
Red Book — Guide to U.S. Coins
The essential annual reference for U.S. coin values, history, and mintages
Coin Albums & Storage
Archival-quality albums and holders to protect and display your collection
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.