1870 Proof Half Dime Pattern - J-809

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,225 PR67 04-24-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

Opening the extensive sixteen-variety half dime pattern subseries, J-809 was struck in silver and features a Seated Liberty obverse with stars and a wreath reverse enclosing HALF DIME. The half dime denomination was in its final years by 1870, having been effectively supplanted in commerce by the nickel five-cent piece introduced in 1866. Despite this commercial reality, Linderman's Standard Silver proposal required demonstration across all existing silver denominations, making the half dime an essential test subject for the experimental alloy program.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7. Approximately 10-20 examples known.

Cross References

Judd-809, Pollock-902