1872 Half Eagle Patterns

About This Coin

The 1872 Half Eagle Patterns is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Trade Dollar Era Patterns (1871-1873) series — the final year of the series. In 1872, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 1. This represents the lowest annual mintage in the entire series, at the series median of 1. The obverse features Liberty seated facing left, holding an olive branch extended to the viewer, with a sheaf of wheat behind and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bale of goods, with an olive branch and three arrows. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. Struck in gilt copper. A notable auction result reached $58K in PR62 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by William Barber.