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1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-971

Strike Type
1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-971

Coin Details

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

Auction Record

$1,540 PR63 03-19-1993 Bowers & Merena

Description

Rendered in copper with a reeded edge, J-971 combines the single-star coronet Liberty Head obverse with the regular With Motto eagle reverse. Copper proofs of this die combination offered Mint officials and favored collectors a base-metal souvenir of the proposed design at a fraction of the cost of a silver impression. The rich chocolate-brown toning that copper half dollar patterns develop over time gives surviving examples a warmth and depth of color that silver pieces cannot match, making them perennial favorites among collectors of 1870 patterns.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-971, Pollock-1082

External References

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