1920 Half Dollar Splasher - J-A1920-1, Pilgrim, Reverse

Coin Details

Auction Record

$11,163 MS62 08-05-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

This splasher is a soft, partial impression taken from the reverse die of the 1920 Pilgrim Tercentenary commemorative half dollar. Splashers are produced by pressing soft metal, lead, or even dampened paper against an unfinished or partially finished die to check the progress of the engraving work. Unlike a die trial, which uses a fully hardened die striking at full pressure, a splasher captures a low-relief impression that shows the current state of the design as it is being cut into the die steel. The Pilgrim Tercentenary half dollar was authorized by Congress to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. The reverse, designed by Cyrus E. Dallin, depicts the Mayflower under full sail. This splasher would have been taken during the die preparation process, allowing Chief Engraver George T. Morgan or his staff to evaluate Dallin's reverse design as it was being transferred from the model to the working die. Splashers are among the rarest categories of Mint-produced numismatic material because they were working tools, not finished products, and most were discarded once they had served their purpose.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Splashers from commemorative half dollar dies are virtually undocumented outside institutional holdings.

Cross References

Judd A1920-1; Pollock; Pilgrim Tercentenary commemorative half dollar; United States Mint, Philadelphia