1859 50C J-239 PR(PCGS#11972)

The June 2010 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Bowers & Merena

Lot Number

3382

Grade

PR62

Price

1,150

Lot Description

1859 Pattern Half Dollar. Judd-239, Pollock-295. Rarity-4. Proof-62 (NGC). The obverse exhibits the "French Head of Liberty" design that is described in detail above in our description for the Judd-238 specimen. On the reverse, a wreath of corn, cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, wheat and oak leaves encircles the denomination 1/2 DOLLAR. Struck in silver with a reeded edge.<br />     Both sides exhibit a uniform brilliant finish from the dies, the surfaces free of all but light toning in an iridescent-gold shade. A blush of deeper color is confined to the lower-right reverse border, there being no other individually mentionable blemishes. According to the website <a href="http://www.uspatterns.com">www.uspatterns.com</a>, Judd-239 is a restrike that dates to the 1860s and 1870s, probably from one or both of Henry R. Lindermann's terms as mint director.