1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-968

Coin Details

Description

The plain-edge aluminum companion to J-967, this pattern combines the single-star coronet Liberty Head obverse with the regular With Motto eagle reverse. Pairing an experimental obverse with a production reverse on an aluminum planchet produced a coin that looked half-familiar and half-revolutionary. From the reverse, any American of the period would have recognized a standard half dollar eagle; from the obverse, they would have encountered an entirely new portrait of Liberty. The plain edge and featherweight aluminum planchet only deepened the cognitive dissonance.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Very rare, approximately 3 or fewer examples known.

Cross References

Judd-968, Pollock-1065