1859 Pattern Half Dollar. Judd-243, Pollock-299. Rarity-7+. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-63 (PCGS). CAC. OGH--First Generation.Obv: James Barton Longacres French Head of Liberty design. A bust of Liberty faces right with a wreath of oak and vine leaves on her head, a ribbon or scroll inscribed LIBERTY crossing her right shoulder. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border and the date 1859 is below. Rev: The same design that the Mint used to strike regular issue 1859 Liberty Seated half dollars of the Type II Reverse. Splendid peripheral toning in iridescent cobalt blue and reddish-gold frames nearly brilliant centers on both sides of this universally reflective specimen. The uspatterns.com website asserts that this type is likely a restrike, silver impressions very scarce with only a half dozen specimens believed extant.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Merenas) Estates of Philip M. Mann, Jr. and Glenn B. Smedley sale, September 1988, lot 598.
