1869 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-742a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,760 PR62 08-09-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1869 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-742a is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Reconstruction Era Patterns (1866-1869) series. The obverse features experimental designs exploring post-war coinage concepts and the reverse displays various experimental designs including nickel and aluminum compositions. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $5,760 PR62 08-09-2020 Heritage Auctions. Struck in other. Cataloged as PCGS #60970.

Rarity Notes

R.7 to R.8. Very rare, approximately 4-7 examples estimated.

Cross References

Pollock-3778a