1865 Pattern Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Judd-429, Pollock-502. Rarity-7-. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-63 (PCGS). OGH. This is an exceptional example of this rare pattern boasting richly frosted devices and watery, reflective fields. The obverse is accented by electric blue and olive brown patina, with flashes of crimson among Libertys drapery. Brilliant and pearly luster glows from the central reverse and is encircled by sapphire shades at the border. Sharply struck and untroubled across the high points. Just 9 coins have been graded finer by PCGS, making this an ideal Registry Set candidate. One of the so-called "transitional" patterns using the With Motto reverse of 1866 to 1891 with an 1865-dated obverse die, the Judd-429 patterns were struck in silver, copper, and aluminum. Many of the transitional pattern pieces were made to order both individually and in sets as late as the 1870s. In this instance, there is documentary evidence of collectors requesting specimens of these from Mint Director James Pollock in both silver and copper as early as December of 1865. As noted on the website of the Society of U. S. Pattern Collectors, uspatterns.com, "The first definite sales occurrence for an 1865 with motto set was in the October 1870 Mason & Company sale of the Fewsmith collection. A possible earlier listing may be Cogans September 1869 sale." All examples of Judd-429 are of significant rarity, with perhaps less than a dozen or so known in silver, and the aluminum striking is known but from a unique specimen. The transitional pattern coins have long been popular among discerning collectors and attract considerable attention.
