Lot 1640
1871 Pattern Half Dollar. Copper, Reeded Edge. Judd-1112. Pollock-1248 Low Rarity 7. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red & Brown PQ. Lovely red and blue toning. The Longacre with stars obverse. A delightful Gem Proof featuring abundant coppery color mixed with the brown toning. On the obverse, Liberty is seated facing left with the date 1871 below. She is wearing a miniaturized Indian-style headdress and supporting a liberty pole with her right hand. Her left hand rests on a globe inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars decorate the periphery. The reverse features the denomination 50 CENTS within a wreath of cotton and corn, with the inscription STANDARD above. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. The current offering is fully struck and seems fresh and attractive, with reflective fields and lovely toning. Pop 1; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 71371) .
1871 continues the appearance of Longacre's famous Indian Princess design on Pattern coins introduced in 1870. The motif (in modified form) subsequently appeared on later varieties through 1873. Collectors agree almost to a man that had it been adopted for circulation, the Indian Princess set would have made a beautiful addition to the nation's coinage. The design was by James Barton Longacre, Mint Engraver from 1844 until 1869. Longacre adapted Liberty's head ornamentation in modified form from his 1854 Type 2 and Type 3 gold dollars as well as the similar $3 gold pieces introduced in 1854.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500.
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