1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-957

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,990 PR65 07-30-2008 Heritage Auctions

Description

Beginning the sixth design group, J-957 retains the inscribed-diadem Liberty Head obverse from the previous group but replaces the STANDARD wreath reverse with the regular-issue With Motto eagle reverse familiar from circulating half dollars. This die marriage combined Barber's most classically restrained portrait with the established heraldic eagle that Americans recognized and trusted, creating the closest thing to a production-ready coin in the diadem Liberty subgroup. Struck in silver with a reeded edge, this variety achieved the widest distribution of any pairing in its design group, with an estimated survival population notably larger than its companion varieties.

Rarity Notes

R-5. Approximately 25-50 examples known, among the most available in the half dollar series.

Cross References

Judd-957, Pollock-1108