1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-980
Strike Type
Coin Details
Auction Record
$9,400 PR65 03-21-2013 Heritage Auctions
Description
The plain-edge aluminum counterpart to J-979, this pattern continues the open-wreath coronet obverse with the regular eagle reverse. Without edge reeding, the ultralight aluminum planchet feels almost insubstantial in the hand, a quality that must have impressed even seasoned numismatists accustomed to the heft of silver half dollars. The contrast between the austere diadem portrait and the elaborate heraldic eagle creates a visual tension between neoclassical simplicity on one side and baroque complexity on the other.
Rarity Notes
R-8. Very rare, approximately 3 or fewer examples known.
Cross References
Judd-980, Pollock-1093
External References
Error Varieties
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