1863 50C Liberty Seated Half Dollar Pattern, J-341 PCGS PR64BN (CAC)

A rare issue that would be the perfect addition to the collection of the Pattern enthusiast. Population (according to the Judd book on Patterns): 25. Of its small mintage there are 7 in PCGS PR64BN with 8 finer. The obverse was the regular Liberty Seated die of 1863, while the reverse was similar to the regular die of that year, however with 'GOD OUR TRUST' in small letters in the field above the eagle.

The creation of pattern coins at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia was basically a side business for officers and engravers at the U.S. Mint. Well-heeled numismatists were always in the market for unusual or unique specimens to add to their collections. They had money to spare and mint employees involved in creating coins were happy to oblige. There were no plans to change the half dollar in 1863. The Judd book on Patterns tells us that "The year 1863 included additional coinage of half dollars and $10 pieces with the two varieties of GOD OUR TRUST motto, one on a scroll and one in plain letters. Copper pieces were issued with bronzed surfaces made by a pickling process."

Note the motto 'GOD OUR TRUST' in small letters above the eagle on the reverse with no scroll. That is what makes this pattern issue different from the business strikes of 1863.