1869 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-745a

Coin Details

Description

A compositional variant of J-745, struck on an alternative planchet. The half dollar's silver content made it a significant store of value, and compositional experiments for this denomination had implications for monetary policy as well as design. Testing base metal planchets with half dollar dies was connected to the broader debate about whether subsidiary silver coins should contain their full face value in metal or could function as token coinage with reduced silver content.

Rarity Notes

R.7 to R.8. Very rare, approximately 4-7 examples survive.

Cross References

Pollock-3781a