View All 1870 Half Dime Patterns

1870 Proof Half Dime Pattern - J-813

Strike Type
1870 (P) Patterns coin

Coin Details

Year
1870
Denomination
Patterns
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Proof
Series
Standard Silver Patterns (1870)
Designer
William Barber
Composition
Other

Auction Record

$9,775 PR65 01-25-2004 Superior Galleries

Description

Introducing a Liberty Head obverse with a smaller portrait than the standard Seated Liberty, this silver half dime pattern pairs its distinctive obverse with a value-within-wreath reverse. The reduced-scale Liberty Head was better proportioned for the tiny half dime planchet, addressing a longstanding design challenge where the seated figure could appear cramped on the smallest silver denomination. Barber's experimentation with portrait scale demonstrated awareness that different denominations might benefit from design approaches tailored to their specific physical dimensions. Cataloged as PCGS #61057.

Rarity Notes

R-7. Extremely rare, estimated 4-12 examples known.

Cross References

Judd-813, Pollock-906

External References

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