1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-947

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,645 PR66 05-07-1999 Bowers & Merena

Description

The 1870 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-947 is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Standard Silver Patterns (1870) series. The obverse features experimental designs for a proposed "Standard Silver Dollar" of reduced weight and the reverse displays various experimental designs. 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: $2,645 PR66 05-07-1999 Bowers & Merena. Struck in copper. Cataloged as PCGS #61193.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-947, Pollock-1075