1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-944

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,900 PR65 11-07-2003 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-944 is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Standard Silver Patterns (1870) series. The obverse features experimental designs for a proposed "Standard Silver Dollar" of reduced weight and the reverse displays various experimental designs. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $6,900 PR65 11-07-2003 Heritage Auctions. Struck in other. Cataloged as PCGS #61190.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Very rare, approximately 2-4 examples survive. One of the rarest varieties in the half dollar series.

Cross References

Judd-944, Pollock-1058