1878 Proof Half Eagle Pattern - J-1578, Gilt

Coin Details

Auction Record

$22,800 PR63 04-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

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. This gilt copper striking was gold-plated to simulate the intended gold finish, allowing evaluation of the design without expending precious metal.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). Gilt copper strikings of gold denomination patterns are typically rarer than their gold counterparts.

Cross References

Judd J-1578, Pollock P-1723