1873 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle, J-1338 Pattern PCGS PR64 (CAC) - Only 5 Pieces Struck

This piece is exceedingly rare and simply stunning to gaze upon. Designed by William Barber, this pattern presents Liberty facing right, with thirteen stars around, and the date 1873 below. The obverse of this coin is similar to the design of Barber’s Trade dollar pattern (Judd-1287). The reverse is the Amazonian design employed on Judd-1240-1242, displaying a majestic eagle with outstretched wings and a shield over part of the right (facing) wing. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is found above and around the eagle, with FIVE DOL. below it. This dramatic specimen was struck in gilt copper with a reeded edge.

Please take a look at the two below videos of this coin, courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries:

https://youtu.be/pooZxxgONWQ

https://youtu.be/wSNh_e5eCEU

PCGS has graded 1 example as PR64, with none finer. In CAC, there is one in PR64 with none finer.

In his sale of March 1876, John W. Haseltine said that just five specimens of this pattern were produced in copper, which agrees with the number of examples known today. Writes Heritage Auctions, “The Bass coin is one of two copper specimens that are gilt. The devices are sharply struck, complementing reflective fields and uniform honey-gold color. Eye appeal is excellent, with just a few faint hairlines discernible that prevent Gem classification.”

Ex: Seventy-Second Catalogue (Bluestone, 10/1942), lot 797; 61st Public Auction (New Netherlands, 6/1970), lot 52.

From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part I.

Chief U.S. Mint Engraver William Barber, who designed this beautiful pattern coin. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.