1858 Half Dollar

HBCC#:

6034

Breen#:

n/a

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

222

Pollock#:

265

This extremely rare pattern issue features the regular Liberty Seated obverse design for half dollars, combined with a stylized reverse by Anthony Paquet. Identification of the artist is via tall, slender letters and delicate design features. Anthony C. Paquet was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1814 and came to America in 1848. He worked in an engraving shop in New York City prior to his appointment with the Mint in 1857, holding the position of assistant engraver until leaving in 1864. After returning to the private sector, Paquet continued to work for the Mint on a commission basis.

Provenance:

Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 3, 1971.

Obverse:

Liberty seated on rock, holding shield and liberty pole with cap, 13 stars around, date below base of rock.

Reverse:

Eagle with outspread wings, shield on breast, sprig of olive and three slender arrows in its talons, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA QUARTER DOLLAR around. The eagle holds a scroll in its beak with E PLURIBUS UNUM thereon.

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