J-429 1865 50c (J429 1865 Half Dollar Pattern) PCGS PF64 CAC, R7. This proof 1865 Half Dollar Pattern is tied for second finest at PCGS and is the finest at CAC. This proof 1865 Half Dollar Pattern shows lightly toned devices set against darker fields creating an almost cameo look. Gold, silver, and teal with tan are seen on the obverse while more shades of silver and teal are found on the reverse. The strike is sharp with full details seen on the centers of the stars and the details of Liberty’s head. Unlike many proofs of the time, this 1865 Half Dollar Pattern is of superior quality. There are no lint marks, slide marks, or visible hairlines. The surfaces are original, clean, and free of individual blemishes worthy of mention. The CAC designation confirms that the coin is solid for the grade and of premium quality. The scuff mark through the 8 on the obverse is on the holder not the coin.

The obverse uses the regular Liberty Seated design for the year. It shows Liberty seated looking over her shoulder to the left. She balances the Union Shield inscribed LIBERTY with her right hand and holds a staff on which is placed a Phrygian cap in her left. There are seven stars to the left and six to the right interrupted by her head and the capped pole. The date is below. The reverse is similar to the regular die of the year, but the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll has been added above the eagle. This is the design that was adopted in 1866.

Both before and during the Civil War almost a dozen Protestant denominations pressured Congress to add references to God to the Constitution and other government documents. Reverend Mark Richards Watkinson was the first to write to Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase to request that God’s name be added to our coinage. His suggestion for a motto was “God, Liberty, Law.” Chase ordered Mint Director James Pollock to prepare a suitable motto. Pollock’s suggestions included “Our Trust Is In God,” “Our God And Our Country,” and “God Our Trust,” the present coin. Then Chase decided on “In God We Trust” to be added to most of the nation’s coinage. This motto was a subtle reminder that the North considered itself on the side of God with regard to the issue of slavery. A new law was required to allow the motto to be added since previous acts of Congress specified the mottos and devices that were permitted on coins. The new motto was placed on all coins that were deemed large enough to accommodate it.

Not only were the Mint officials trying to determine the best wording for the motto, they were also trying to decide how to place the motto on the coin. James B. Longacre, who was now the Chief Engraver, added mottos to various coins. In 1861 a pattern half dollar, J-277, had GOD OUR TRUST added on a scroll above the eagle. A second pattern for that year, J-279, had the motto in small letters added above the eagle with no scroll. Similarly in 1862 there was a pair of GOD OUR TRUST patterns with and without a scroll, J-293 and J-295. In 1863 the IN GOD WE TRUST motto appeared on patterns for the two-cent piece and half dollar. Longacre designed the two-cent piece, which was the first coin to use the motto and officially issued in 1864.

The J-429 1865 Half Dollar Pattern has an R7 rating meaning that 7 to 12 pieces are known to exist in all grades. In its population report, PCGS shows 5 in PF64 with 1 better. At CAC as of February 2012, there is only this coin in PF64 with none better.