Pattern and Experimental Coins

1859 Pattern Half Dollar. Judd-240, Pollock-296. Rarity-5. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-62 BN (PCGS).

Obv: James Barton Longacre's "French Head of Liberty" design. A bust of Liberty faces right with a wreath of oak and vine leaves on her head, a ribbon or scroll inscribed LIBERTY crossing her right shoulder. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border and the date 1859 is below. Rev: A wreath of cereals encloses the denomination 1/2 DOLLAR. Rich golden-brown patina with vivid cobalt blue and reddish-rose highlights. A carbon spot in the obverse field above Liberty's head serves as a useful identifier. Although traditionally attributed to Longacre, as above, Saul Teichman suggests that Anthony C. Paquet may have been the engraver of this pattern type since the letter punches in the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are of the Paquet style. The uspatterns.com website accounts for at least 30 examples of Judd-240 in numismatic hands.

PCGS# 11974. NGC ID: 29CK.

From our (Bowers and Merena's) sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, May 1996, lot 244, via Sheridan Downey (as agent). E. Horatio Morgan Collection; our sale of the E. Horatio Morgan Collection, August 2019 ANA Auction, lot 3313.

Estimate: 1800