1891 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-1762

Coin Details

Description

Judd-1762 is a unique proof pattern half dollar from the 1891 Barber design competition, feature Charles Barber's reverse design with clouds above the heraldic eagle. The obverse displays Barber's Liberty Head facing right wearing a laurel wreath and Phrygian cap, with IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above and the date 1891 below, encircled by thirteen stars. The reverse shows a spread-winged heraldic eagle bearing a shield on its breast, clutching arrows and an olive branch, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR around the border. Distinctive clouds appear above the eagle, a decorative element that Barber included in this iteration but which was ultimately removed before production commenced in 1892. By the end of October 1891, Barber had submitted three half dollar patterns to Mint Director Leech, be J-1762, J-1764, and J-1765, each with slightly different obverse and reverse treatments. The inclusion of clouds on this reverse ties J-1762 to a longstanding American coin design tradition seen on earlier silver denominations. Leech and Treasury Secretary Charles Foster debated the amount of olive leaves and arrows in the eagle's talons before settling on a final configuration. All five 1891 half dollar patterns are unique specimens held in the Smithsonian's National Numismatic Collection, none of which have ever been on permanent public display.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Unique. Single specimen in the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection.

Cross References

Judd J-1762, Pollock P-1977