1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-972

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,760 PR62 06-01-2011 Heritage Auctions

Description

Completing the second group, J-972 strikes the single-star coronet Liberty Head obverse and regular With Motto eagle reverse in copper with a plain edge. This sixth and final variety in the group represents the full matrix of three metals and two edge treatments applied to this particular die marriage. The combination of a base-metal composition, a smooth edge, and an experimental obverse made this piece unmistakably a specimen rather than a candidate for circulation, a characteristic that paradoxically ensured its careful preservation by the numismatists who acquired it.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-972, Pollock-1083