1871 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-1170

Coin Details

Auction Record

$16,100 PR65 01-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

Featuring the Liberty Head with coronet obverse and heraldic eagle reverse used on production half eagles since 1839, J-1170 was struck in the standard silver alloy. The half eagle ($5) was America's oldest gold denomination, dating to 1795, and its inclusion in the Trade Dollar era pattern program ensured that the proposed standard silver alloy was tested at every level of the coinage hierarchy. The familiar Coronet design takes on a distinctly different character when rendered in silver rather than gold.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-1170, Pollock-1305