1878 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-1574a

Coin Details

Description

Proof half eagle pattern struck in 1878, a pivotal transition year following the Bland-Allison Act's mandate for silver dollar production, as George T. Morgan's designs emerged alongside continued metric coinage studies. 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-1574 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-1574a, Pollock P-1719a