NNP

1862 50C Half Dollar, Judd-296, Pollock-354, R.7, PR64 Red NGC. CAC. Design. Similar to the regular issue 1862 Seated half design, but the legend GOD OUR TRUST is set into the field above the eagle without an accompanying scroll. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Commentary. This popular half dollar pattern features a slightly different precursor of the famous motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Examples of this design were also struck in silver (Judd-295). The design was also struck in 1861 and 1863. W. Elliot Woodward had this to say about the silver patterns in his April 1863 auction catalog: {blockquote}"Twenty five sets of the four following patterns were recently struck at the mint. They were distributed to collectors, with the assurance that they should never be restruck, and a strict injunction that they must never be sold, unless by a 'sheriff or executor.' "{/blockquote} The sets included examples of two GOD OUR TRUST half dollars in silver and two GOD OUR TRUST eagles in bronze, dated 1862. USPatterns.com indicates that some of the copper half dollars may be restrikes, despite the purported guarantee. Physical Description. The fiery original orange-red surfaces of this spectacular Choice example show a few hints of light brown and magenta, with no mentionable signs of contact. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout and display considerable mint frost. The fields are brightly reflective, with great eye appeal. Census: 1 in 64 Red, 0 finer (3/13). From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 3931, realized $6168.75. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.