1870 Half Dollar

HBCC#:

6085

Breen#:

n/a

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

928

Pollock#:

1033

Here is an important rarity among pattern issues of this date, representing one example from a population of about five coins. In addition, two or three others exist with a reeded edge rather than a plain edge. This example features William Barber’s Liberty Seated obverse combined with the Standard Silver reverse. The reverse inscription indicated that the composition was normal or standard coin silver, in other words, 90% pure silver alloyed with copper. Although the coinage proposal reduced weights to keep hoarding activities to a minimum, the composition remained unchanged, alleviating public fear over possible debasement of our coinage.

Provenance:

From Stack's sale of the Golding Collection, June 1953, Lot 19; Stack's ANA Sale of August 1971, Lot 463.

Obverse:

Seated Liberty to left, upright Liberty pole with cap behind, shield in right hand, olive branch in left hand, LIBERTY on ribbon across shield, 13 stars around, date below.

Reverse:

Wreath of corn and cotton, 50 CENTS on two lines in wreath, STANDARD above wreath.

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