1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-929
Strike Type
Coin Details
Auction Record
$4,935 PR64BN 06-08-2017 Heritage Auctions
Description
Translating the Seated Liberty obverse and STANDARD wreath reverse into copper with a reeded edge, J-929 demonstrates how the proposed half dollar design appeared in a base metal whose warm reddish-brown tones contrast sharply with silver's cool gray. Copper strikings served dual purposes in the 1870 pattern program: they provided metallurgical comparison data for evaluating the experimental standard silver alloy, and they created additional collectible varieties for the sets of patterns sold to numismatists. Surviving copper examples frequently retain vivid original red surfaces under careful preservation, making them visually striking display pieces.
Rarity Notes
R-7. Extremely rare, estimated 4-12 examples survive.
Cross References
Judd-929, Pollock-1034
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.