1859
50C (J-238, R-5) NGC PF-65BN CAC - A pattern half
dollar piece struck in the late 1850's as part
of a large set of various half dollar patterns. The
obverse has the so-called "French Liberty head",
designed by Chief engraver James Barton Longacre. The
reverse has a wreath that consists of various agricultural
products, designed by Harold P. Newlin and called the
Cereal wreath.
A large number of pattern varieties
exist of this year and denomination, often made for
sale to collectors and private profit of Mint employees.
However, the creation of these pieces was the result
of a problem with striking the then current silver coins.
Striking problems were abundant, and often details were
not fully brought up. The new design, as featured by
the present coin, was to solve this problem. The patterns
were created, but the idea was never materialized and
the silver issues were continued for decades.
The present piece, while being a somewhat
more available pattern still remains very scarce at
the gem level, as offered here. The coin has been stickered
by CAC, denoting the premium quality of this piece.
On both sides, the fields are virtually flawless, and
all devices have been brought up in full detail. This
coin is a great piece of numismatic art for the pattern
specialist, half dollar collector or anyone seeking
a nice and scarce pattern.
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