Owner Comments:
1859 50C
Judd-238 Pollock-294
Rarity: R.5, PF65BN
Struck in copper with a reeded edge.
Longacre's French head with HALF DOLLAR reverse
Obverse: Longacre's so-called "French Head" of Liberty, which faces right, draped with a ribbon inscribed LIBERTY and a wide wreath of oak and vine on her head.
Reverse: A wreath composed of Cotton, tobacco, sugar cane,corn, wheat, and oaks leaves with "HALF DOLLAR" in the center,
Comment:
Saul Teichman expresses doubt on USPatterns.com whether this design was actually designed by James Longacre or by Anthony Paquet. The reason for the uncertainty stems from the punches used in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA were those of Paquet.
The obverse is uniformly muted by brown patina, while still showing slight traces of red around the devices. The reverse, on the other hand, is more red than brown and quite vibrant.
Provenance:
Heritage June 8 2017 Long Beach Expo / Lot #4660