US Patterns- WHAT U.S. COINAGE COULD HAVE BEEN
J-278 50C Liberty seated Rev: GOD OUR TRUST Scroll Struck in Copper

Owner Comments:

1861 P50C Half Dollar,
udd-278, Pollock-329
Rarity: Low R.7 PR64+ RB
Ex: Simpson.

Struck in copper with a reeded edge

Obverse: The same design that the Mint used to produce regular issue 1861 Liberty Seated half dollars. The date is set left in the exergue with the shield point nearer the 8 in the date -- Pollock left this number available in case such a coin was found as this one.

Reverse: Similar to the regular issue design, but with the addition of a scroll with the motto GOD OUR TRUST in the field above the eagle within a scroll.

Comment: James Longacre applied the GOD OUR TRUST motto on these and other patterns for its brevity and clarity as an "expression of National reliance upon Divine support" -- one that could fit in the field above the eagle while remaining legible and unobtrusive. Abundant fiery mint-red color appears throughout this near-Gem, though most of the coin is deep brown. A flashy proof and one of some significance.

Provenance:
Ex: Bob Simpson, Heritage Nov 2020 US Signature Auction / Lot #3122

Plate coin for PCGS Coinfacts for type J278 RB