232
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Patterns
L
OVELY
1870 P
ATTERN
H
ALF
D
OLLAR
1635
1870 Pattern Half Dollar. Copper, Reeded Edge.
Judd-929. Pollock-1034 High Rarity 7
.
NGC graded
Proof 64 Red & Brown Cameo PQ.
CAC Approved
.
Wonderful red and blue colors.
Pop 1; none finer at NGC
.
Estimated Value .........................................$7,000 - 7,500
Enlargement
1636
1870 Pattern Half Dollar. Copper, Plain Edge. Judd-930.
Pollock-1035 High Rarity 7
.
PCGS graded Proof 64+RB.
CAC Approved
. Nice red and blue colors. A satiny near-Gem
Proof with intense underlying mirror luster that explodes with
vivid purple and blue iridescence. Absolutely eye-popping in all
regards. No more, no less, just as fully struck, as attractive, as
you could ask for in a STANDARD SILVER Pattern coin, with
complete detail at the seated figure as well as the eagle. This
handsome coin was designed by William Barber.
Pop 1; 1
finer in 65
. (
PCGS # 71176
)
William Barber became chief engraver at the Philadelphia Mint
following the death on January 1, 1869, of James B. Longacre,
who had held the post since 1844. He produced many dies for
pattern coins during the decade of the 1870s, most notably a
large group of 20-cent pieces 1874-1875, commercial dollars
and trade dollars 1873-1876, and silver dollars 1878-1879,
among numerous others. His work varies from the ordinary to
the inspired, perhaps his 1872 Amazonian silver coins repre-
senting his most acclaimed accomplishment in the latter cate-
gory. For several years after Longacre's death, Barber used
Longacre hubs and models to create new varieties of Liberty
Seated motifs, later making his own version (such as this Judd-
930 Pattern for a half dollar). Important to the study of pat-
terns, William Barber was front row center during the most piv-
otal era of pattern issuance in American history, during the
regime of Henry Linderman, during the making and/or distribu-
tion of restrikes, irrelevant mulings, etc. No doubt, if he had
written a numismatic account of his time at the mint, many
secrets would have been revealed. Today, the pattern field is
richly endowed by his work.
Estimated Value ..............................................$4,500 - 5,000
1637
1870 Pattern Half Dollar. Aluminum, plain edge. Judd-
956. Pollock-1100. High Rarity 7
.
PCGS graded Proof 64
.
A nice untoned pattern. The Mint from 1869 to 1871 released a
wide assortment of Pattern dimes, quarters, and half dollars of
the STANDARD silver type. Reverses tended to be standardized,
while the attractive obverses varied in their treatment of Lib-
erty's profile. This is one of the very rare aluminum strikes.
Pop
1; 1 finer in 65.
(
PCGS # 61202
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,000 - 2,100
