J952 (J-952) 1870 50C NGC PF66. This lovely silver patter half dollar shows subdued mint luster under outstanding toning. The colors include rose, green, blue, violet, and yellow. The obverse field is lighter than Libertys head and face. Darker toning is around the periphery of the coin. Similarly, the reverse is lighter in the center and darker towards the edge. Its colors are similar to those on the obverse. The strike is weak in the central portions of the design especially the hair around Libertys ear and the letters EN of CENTS. The tops of the numerals 18 of the date are also weak. The coin shows Liberty in profile facing right. She wears a LIBERTY inscribed band as part of a coronet, and her hair is loosely tied in the back as it flows down her neck. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in an arc around her head, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is on a ribbon below. Dentils are around the periphery of both sides of the coin, which has a plain edge. The reverse shows an open agricultural wreath. Within its center is the denomination, a large 50 and the word CENTS below with the date under it. At the top of the coin is the word STANDARD.

The word Standard refers to a new series being proposed called the Standard Silver series. This pattern was made so that a lighter weight and slightly smaller diameter coin would be able to lower the intrinsic value to make hoarding not profitable. It was hoped that the new coinage would replace the Fractional Currency paper that had been in circulation since during the Civil War.

James Barton Longacre, designer of this pattern, was born in Pennsylvania in 1794. He became an apprentice to a bookseller and then a banknote engraver in Philadelphia. In 1819 he worked on his own as an engraver and made metal plates for bank notes and book illustrations. His works included one on stage personalities and another on the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1830 Longacre and James Herring did a series of biographies of famous men in the military and in politics. In 1844, through the influence of John C. Calhoun, Longacre was made Chief Engraver at the Mint, where he succeeded the late Christian Gobrecht. Longacres experience was limited, but he was a talented artist. By 1849 he was able to create the gold dollar and double eagle, the design of which lasted until well into the twentieth century. One of Longacres associates, Chief Coiner Franklin Peale, opposed Longacres appointment and became an obstructionist. Peale ran a private medal-making business using Mint facilities, and he felt that Longacres presence would jeopardize it. In 1854 Peale was fired by President Franklin Pearce, and Longacres life became easier. Longacre remained Chief Engraver until his death in 1869.

The pattern half dollar coin, designed by Longacre and engraved by his successor, William Barber, was issued posthumously in 1870.

The J-952 pattern half dollar is listed as a L7, which means that 7 to 12 pieces are known. In its population report NGC has certified 6 coins with 2 tied for 66, the highest grade for this coin.