1875 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-1440a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$26,400 PR61 08-20-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

Proof half eagle pattern struck in 1875, during the height of metric coinage experimentation, coinciding with the introduction of the Twenty Cent piece and continued exploration of international trade denominations. This proof striking in gold is part of the half eagle ($5) gold coinage design exploration conducted at the Philadelphia Mint under Chief Engraver William Barber. The letter suffix indicates a different composition or die state from the base J-1440 variety.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). Gold denomination patterns from this era are among the rarest, with most varieties known in fewer than ten specimens.

Cross References

Judd J-1440a, Pollock P-1585a