1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-964

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,600 PR64 01-05-2011 Heritage Auctions

Description

The plain-edge silver counterpart to J-963, this pattern pairs the coronet Liberty Head obverse bearing a single star on the headband with the STANDARD agricultural wreath reverse. A plain edge on a silver half dollar removed one of the key anti-counterfeiting measures that had been standard practice on American silver coins since the 1790s. Linderman's willingness to test this combination indicates he was open to simplifying coinage production even at the risk of reduced security, an approach that the Treasury ultimately rejected for larger silver denominations.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-964, Pollock-1060