1863 50C J-343, RB PR66RB 认证号85187671, PCGS号70505

“Into the Mulitverse” ex. Bob R. Simpson Collection This coin is truly a gem. Being a very rare copper proof with this beautiful red and blue toning that shines through the coin and is visible without bright light. Legend Auction says: An incredible and technicolored GEM example of this transitional pattern half dollar. Pairing the regular 1863 Proof obverse with a with Motto reverse, as adopted in 1866, this coin is struck in copper with a reeded edge. A low Rarity-7, there are 7-12 examples known in all grades, of which this is one of the very FINEST. Ultra reflective, incredibly well preserved mirrors are glassy and flashy. The fields are essentially without flaw. The intensity of the flashy mirrors bring out the swirling blend of cherry-red with violet and azure accents, giving this GEM an exquisite look. WOW.

Ron Guth

Judd 343 is a so-called "transitional" pattern that bridges the No Motto/With Motto Half Dollar types.  The problem, experts, believe, is that the 1863 Half Dollar Patterns with the motto were made after the motto was introduced in 1864.  According to Saul Teichman at www.uspatterns.com (a tremendous resource for U.S. pattern coins), "These and the other 'with motto' patterns of this date as well as 1864 and possibly 1865 are actually restrikes made circa 1869...and into the early 1870s and offered with restrikes of other denominations in complete sets."

A search of auction records indicate that the multiple listings are comprised of six discernably different examples, ranging in grade from a cleaned and lacquered Proof to a PCGS PR66+RB (now in the Simpson Collection).