1859 Pattern Half Dollar. Judd-235, Pollock-284. Rarity-5. Silver. Reeded Edge. Proof-62 (PCGS). <strong>Obv:</strong> Liberty is seated left supporting a faces with her right hand and a shield with her left hand. Thirteen stars encircle the periphery, the date 1859 is below, and an olive sprig and three arrows are at the base of the shield. <strong>Rev:</strong> An eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its breast clutches a scroll inscribed with the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM in its beak. The scroll is "broken" (i.e., it is incomplete) due to lapping of the die. A group of three arrows is in the eagles left talon and its right talon clutches an olive branch. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is inscribed along the upper border and the denomination HALF DOLLAR is at the lower border. Brilliant centers are framed by peripheral toning in bright, vivid reddish-orange and cobalt blue that provides superior eye appeal for the assigned grade. The designs of this pattern half dollar type are attributed to Mint engraver Anthony Paquet. From the Midtown Collection.
