J-236 50c (J236 50c) 1859 50C, PCGS PF64 BN CAC. R-5. This majestic and rare 1859 Liberty Seated Half Dollar pattern struck in copper is predominantly reddish brown with shades of chocolate. The coin is graded PF64 Brown, confirmed by CAC, and is in an OGH (Old Green Holder). The coin, which is fully struck on the obverse, has subdued mint luster on both sides.

Designed by Anthony Paquet, the coin shows Liberty seated facing left with her right hand outstretched resting on upright faces. Her left hand balances the Union shield. There are seven six-pointed stars to the left and six to the right. The heraldic eagle on the reverse has a ribbon in its beak on which is inscribed the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in an arc around the top and the denomination, written as HALF DOLLAR, is below. There are dentils around the periphery of both sides of the coin, which also has a reeded edge. The pattern was also struck in silver.

Assistant Engraver Anthony C. Paquet was born in 1814 in Hamburg, Germany. He emigrated in 1848. He began working at the Mint in 1857 and remained there as an employee until 1864. He did additional contract work after his regular employment. He died in 1882. Paquet is most famous for his double eagles of 1861 that were named for him. In his book The U.S. Mint and Coinage, Donald Taxay say of him, Paquet possessed a very modest talent, and his dies, with but one brief exception, were never adopted on the coinage. A peculiar ugliness in portraiture, stiffness in anatomy, and tall, thin lettering distinguish the work of this artist.

The J-236 is designated R5, which means there are 31 to 75 coins in existence. In its population report, PGCS shows 13 in Proof 64 Brown with 4 better. In CAC there are two in PF64 BN with none better.