1870 DT50c Reverse Die Trial, J-A1870-1 MS

A reverse die trial of the Standard Silver half dollar, similar to Judd-939. The denomination 50 CENTS and the date are centered within a wreath of cotton and corn, but the date is slightly higher and larger than on Judd-939. The word STANDARD has been effaced above the wreath, though faint remnants are still partially legible. Struck in white metal without a collar, so there is no edge.

This impressive and almost certainly unique splasher was created by pouring liquid white metal onto a piece of backing paper, pressing the die into the less-than-molten metal, and letting it harden. Splashers are helpful in assessing what a coin or pattern will look like without having to anneal the dies. Their nature is fleeting, however. They are extremely fragile and were never meant to be preserved, which is why so few survive. In effect, this is a pattern of a pattern and is especially interesting as such.

The obverse is brilliant silver-gray with superficial grazes along the left side. Much of the reverse backing paper remains visible amid the bubbling surfaces of the metal. Words such as "consideration," "Senate," "Messrs.," and "resolution" suggest some sort of government document. About half of the machined rim of the die is evident around the obverse from about 11:30 to 5:30, and on the corresponding area of the reverse.

Source: Heritage Auctions