Lot 2292
1859 Pattern Half Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 63. This Type is by Anthony C. Paquet and has a unique version of Liberty seated facing left and supporting fasces with the right hand and a shiled with the left. on the ground lie three arrows and an olive branch; around, thirteen stars; below 1859. Paquet's stylish eagle stands with wings spread, shield on breast, ribbon held in beak is inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM; holding olive branch in right talon and three long, slender arrows in left (PCGS # 11960) .
Paquet is one of relatively few assistants at the Mint who never achieved the chief engravership position, but whose name is a numismatic byword today. Although he signed many medals at the Philadelphia Mint, including the particularly important Washington Cabinet Medal for presentation on February 22, 1860, his patterns are unsigned. Among patterns attributed to Paquet are certain cent dies circa 1858, this pattern half dollar of 1859, and $20 coins of 1859, several issues of the 1860s, and at least one 1877 half dollar, among others. Dies employing tall letters with thick uprights are often attributed to him, and in the case of certain 1859 half dollars and of the 1861 Paquet Reverse $20 this is correct. Others may have been from punches that Paquet made, but which were employed by different artists.
Anthony C. Paquet was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1814, and died in 1882.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200.
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| Realized $2,013 |
