View All 1870 Half Dollar Patterns

1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-934

Strike Type
1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-934

Coin Details

Year
1870
Denomination
Patterns
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Proof
Series
Standard Silver Patterns (1870)
Composition
Other

Auction Record

$8,625 PR66 05-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

The plain-edge silver counterpart to J-933, this half dollar pattern combines the standard Seated Liberty obverse with the regular-issue eagle reverse. A plain edge on what would otherwise closely resemble an ordinary half dollar was a deliberate experimental variable, testing whether the public might accept a familiar design without traditional edge reeding. Viewed from the reverse, this piece is nearly indistinguishable from a circulating 1870 half dollar, while the plain edge and reduced-weight planchet reveal its experimental nature upon handling.

Rarity Notes

R-6. Rare, approximately 15-25 examples known.

Cross References

Judd-934, Pollock-1040

External References

Error Varieties

No listings found

This category doesn't have any child listings yet.