1872 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-1200, Amazonian

Coin Details

Auction Record

$86,250 PR66 01-01-2009 Stack's

Description

The 1872 Proof Half Dollar Pattern - J-1200, Amazonian is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Trade Dollar Era Patterns (1871-1873) series. The obverse features Liberty seated facing left, holding an olive branch extended to the viewer, with a sheaf of wheat behind and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bale of goods, with an olive branch and three arrows. 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: $86,250 PR66 01-01-2009 Stack's. Struck in other. Cataloged as PCGS #61471.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8. Very rare, approximately 3-10 examples known. One of the great American pattern rarities.

Cross References

Judd-1200, Pollock-1336