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1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-959

Strike Type
1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-959

Coin Details

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

Auction Record

$3,290 PR65 04-23-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

Rendered in copper with a reeded edge, J-959 applies the inscribed-diadem Liberty Head obverse and regular-issue eagle reverse to a base metal that showcases Barber's engraving in rich warm tones. The copper composition reveals fine details in the diadem's LIBERTY inscription, Liberty's swept-back hair, and the eagle's individual feathers with a clarity that silver's bright, reflective surface sometimes diffuses. This particular die combination, pairing the most classically elegant obverse with the most familiar reverse in a visually warm metal, produces what many pattern specialists consider one of the most aesthetically satisfying varieties in the entire 1870 half dollar series.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-959, Pollock-1110

External References

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