1916 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-1991

Coin Details

Description

A single-numbered Walking Liberty half dollar pattern, cataloged independently as J-1991 within the Judd reference. This entry may represent a die combination not directly linked to the earlier J-1797 through J-1801 sequence, or it may be a renumbered entry from a later edition of the catalog. The 1916 Walking Liberty patterns as a group form one of the most important clusters of American pattern coinage from the early twentieth century, documenting the development of a design that would define the half dollar for three decades and ultimately be revived for the American Silver Eagle program beginning in 1986. Weinman's design for the half dollar was his masterwork: the striding Liberty figure communicates energy, optimism, and national purpose, while the reverse eagle conveys strength tempered by the natural world. The half dollar's relatively large diameter of 30.6 millimeters gave Weinman a substantial canvas on which to develop his sculptural composition, and the design's success on this denomination would later inspire the Treasury's decision to use it for the Silver Eagle bullion coin at an even larger 40.6 millimeter diameter. J-1991 preserves one version of this design as it evolved through the pattern evaluation process.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (Extremely Rare). Walking Liberty design patterns are highly desirable and very scarce.

Cross References

Judd J-1991, Pollock P-2183