1916 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-1992

Coin Details

Auction Record

$144,000 PR64 08-28-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

A proof pattern for the Walking Liberty half dollar cataloged as J-1992, part of the extensive series of half dollar patterns produced during the 1916 Triple Redesign. This entry follows J-1991 in the Judd sequence and represents a different die pairing, composition, or surface treatment from its predecessor. The Walking Liberty design underwent numerous refinements between Weinman's initial sculptural model and the production version that entered circulation in late 1916. Among the modifications were adjustments to Liberty's hand position, the treatment of the flag draping, and the precise relationship between the design elements and the coin's rim — a critical concern for production coins that must stack properly and feed reliably through counting and wrapping machinery. Early Walking Liberty half dollars (1916-1917) are noted for their "Short Rays" reverse variety, where the sun's rays between the eagle's tail feathers extend only a short distance, as opposed to the "Long Rays" variety introduced later. Pattern strikings like J-1992 may capture the design in a state that predates these production-era variants, preserving Weinman's original concept before practical modifications were applied.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (Extremely Rare). Walking Liberty pattern varieties are individually very scarce.

Cross References

Judd J-1992, Pollock P-2184