1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-928

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,901 PR64 01-05-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

Sharing the same Seated Liberty obverse with raised LIBERTY and STANDARD agricultural wreath reverse as J-927, this silver half dollar pattern differs only in its plain edge. The distinction between reeded and plain edges carried practical significance in Linderman's Standard Silver proposal: reeded edges helped the public distinguish genuine silver coins from base-metal counterfeits by touch alone, while plain edges reduced production costs and collar-die wear. The half dollar denomination, as the largest silver coin in common circulation, made edge treatment a particularly consequential design decision.

Rarity Notes

R-7. Extremely rare, approximately 4-12 examples known.

Cross References

Judd-928, Pollock-1033