1918 Half Dollar Pattern - J-2005, Lincoln-Illinois

Coin Details

Auction Record

$25 MS66BN 02-14-2021 eBay

Description

Judd-2005, Pollock-2195, is a pattern for the 1918 Illinois Centennial commemorative half dollar, one of the earliest classic commemorative half dollars in American numismatics. The adopted coin was designed by Chief Engraver George T. Morgan with assistance from Charles Barber, and it holds the distinction of being the first United States half dollar to feature a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse. The reverse depicts the Illinois state seal with an eagle bearing a banner reading "State Sovereignty, National Union." This pattern may incorporate design elements or details that differ from the final production version, documenting the design evaluation process that preceded the striking of 100,058 coins for distribution. The Lincoln-Illinois half dollar was authorized to mark the centennial of Illinois' admission to the Union in 1818 and remains one of the more affordable and historically significant entries in the classic commemorative series.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8. Extremely rare. Pattern strikings of classic commemorative half dollars are seldom encountered, as the design process generated only a handful of test pieces.

Cross References

Judd J-2005, Pollock P-2195; Illinois Centennial commemorative half dollar; George T. Morgan / Charles Barber (designers)