1873 Pattern Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Judd-1272, Pollock-1414. Rarity-7+. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-66 RD (NGC).The design is the same that the Mint used to produce regular issue 1873 No Arrows, Close 3 Liberty Seated half dollars. This is an exceptionally well preserved and attractive survivor of a limited press run for this off metal striking. Both sides exhibit vivid rose-red color that deepens a bit toward in the centers, especially on the obverse. Direct lighting reveals appreciable reflectivity in the fields, which feature forms a splendid backdrop to frosty design elements. Fully struck and otherwise pristine, a few tiny, well scattered carbon spots and flecks helped us piece together the provenance of this highly significant rarity.<p>Although traditionally described as a die trial striking of the 1873 No Arrows, Close 3 half dollar, Judd-1272 was most likely produced expressly for sale to contemporary collectors as part of complete off-metal Proof sets. The website <em>uspatterns.com</em> reports that only three or four specimens are extant, this being the only coin certified in the RD category at PCGS and NGC. A rare opportunity for the specialist, who we direct to the Judd-1270 copper striking of the 1873 No Arrows, Close 3 quarter that we are also offering in this sale.Ex Lenox R. Lohr; Empire Coin, 1961; R.E. Cox, Jr.; our (Stacks) sale of the R.E. Cox, Jr. Collection of Half Dollars, April 1962, lot 2253; Superiors Jascha Heifetz Collection sale, October 1989, lot 3269; our (American Numismatic Rarities and Stacks) Medio and Da Costa Gomez Collections sale, June 2004, lot 1675; Heritages FUN Signature Auction of January 2009, lot 2044. The plate coin for the type on the <em>uspatterns.com</em> website.
