1870 Pattern Half Dollar. Judd-955, Pollock-1099. Rarity-7+. Aluminum. Reeded Edge. Proof-65 (PCGS). CAC.Obv: Standard Silver design with a bust of Liberty facing right, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST inscribed on a scroll below. Liberty is wearing a diadem inscribed LIBERTY. Rev: A wreath of corn and cotton surrounds the denomination 50 CENTS and the date 1870, the word STANDARD inscribed along the upper border. A superb, bright gray Gem Proof with intense cameo contrast to the finish. A delightful coin to behold. Very light file marks are noted on the obverse rim, almost certainly done within the confines of the Mint at the time this Gem was struck. Rare, as less than half a dozen examples of Judd-955 are known per the uspatterns.com website.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part I, May 1999, lot 1205. Mr. Bass acquired the coin from Douglas Weaver, January 21, 1974.
