Owner Comments:
1863 50C Half Dollar
Judd-344, Pollock-416
Rarity: High R.7, PR64
EX: THE BOYLSTON COLLECTION
Struck in Aluminum with Reeded Edge
Obverse: The obverse die is the design used on regular-issue half dollars in 1863.
Reverse: The reverse features the normal perched eagle design, with the addition of the scroll and motto IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle's head.
Comment:
While traditionally called a "transitional" half dollar, this and other With Motto patterns were actually struck for the collector trade and were offered by the Mint with restrikes of other denominations as complete sets.
Highly brilliant reflective surfaces gleam boldly. There are some minor toning streaks on both sides attesting to the originality of this near-GEM example. Strong glass reveals some light lines and a minute mint made planchet flaw on the reverse by the ribbon. The eye appeal is nice for the grade, and there are no issues that often plague aluminum planchets, however, there is faint retained laminations (as made) are found near the eagle's beak and the base of the first T in STATES.
Provenance/Appearances:
From THE BOYLSTON COLLECTION, PART IV Legends Auction 57 Feb 2023 /Lot # 289; priors:
- Kagin's Aug 1977 (ANA Session 3) / Lot 115
- Kagin's July 1978 Metropolitan Washington Auction / Lot 643
- Kagin's ANA Auction, August 1983, lot 3045;
- Kagin's San Diego Sale, May 1987, lot 3185;
- Frank O. Fredericks Collection, Part III, Heritage, January 2004, lot 8423;
- American Numismatic Rarities' Robert Michael Prescott Collection sale, January 2006, lot 903;
- Heritage, April 2017, lot 5092;