1872 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-1241

Coin Details

Auction Record

$25,875 PR65 08-18-2011 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1872 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-1241 is a proof Gold Half Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Trade Dollar Era Patterns (1871-1873) series. 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. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $25,875 PR65 08-18-2011 Stack's Bowers. Struck in copper, 21.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #61513.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7. Approximately 10-15 examples estimated.

Cross References

Judd-1241, Pollock-1377