1877 Proof Fifty Dollar Pattern - J-1548

Coin Details

Description

The legendary Half Union pattern, one of the most famous and valuable United States pattern coins ever struck. This proposed fifty-dollar gold piece would have been the largest regular-issue denomination in American coinage history. Designed by Chief Engraver William Barber, it features a Liberty Head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse scaled to the massive fifty-dollar denomination. The coin was struck as a feasibility study but the denomination was never adopted for production.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (Unique or nearly so). Fewer than five specimens exist. Individual examples have sold for over $1 million at auction, placing this among the most valuable American pattern coins.

Cross References

Judd J-1548, Pollock P-1693