1873 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-1340

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,400 PR63BN 02-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1873 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-1340 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. First year of the Trade Dollar, authorized under the Coinage Act of 1873 to compete with the Mexican peso in Asian silver markets. At 420 grains, it was deliberately heavier than the standard silver dollar. 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: $8,400 PR63BN 02-25-2021 Heritage Auctions. Struck in copper. Cataloged as PCGS #61628.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-1340, Pollock-1479