Martha Washington 1759 Silver Half Dollar
Dollars, Half Dollars, Quarters, Dimes, Nickels, Pennies were all minted as a fake coin just to test out how well metals can combine with other metals. In 1965 this fake coin was struck to reduce silver contents in coins since silver had become more valuable than the coin.
It was used again in 1982 to test new materials when the Cent was changed from bronze to copper coated zinc.
The obverse was designed by Edward P. Grove and the reverse was designed by Philip Fowler, engravers at the U.S. Mint in the 1960's.
Other coins using this image were struck later in 1999 to test coin alloys and properties when the Sacajawea dollar coin made its debut.
The value if you come across one can go from 13 dollars or high as over 2000 dollars or for a 5 cent piece for 15k.
Some dies for this coin can found here:
YEAR 1965
DENOMINATION 1/2 Dollar (Half Dollar)
CURRENCY Dollar (Quarter, Eagle)
METAL Copper-Nickel plated Copper
These trials are the result of tests on the copper-nickel clad copper planchets that were to be used in the transition from silver to base-metal coinage in 1965. To prevent confusion with upcoming circulation coinage, dies with a "nonsense" design were used. Despite displaying a 1759 date, these patterns were minted in 1965.
Beginning in 1999, when the U.S. Mint sought to replace the unsuccessful Susan B. Anthony Dollar with a new plain-edged “golden” dollar, the government invited outside contractors, such as Olin Brass, PMX Industries, and IDX Inc. to experiment with new alloys and to test strike the planchets.
The Mint created "fantasy" dies to be used in striking the trial pieces. The design features a portrait of Martha Washington with the date “1759” on the obverse. This was the year that George and Martha were married. Washington’s Virginia home at Mount Vernon is on the reverse. Neither the denomination nor issuing country are noted on the piece.
The Martha Washington design was first used in 1965 to test various metals to find one suitable to replace the silver used in the Dime, Quarter and Half Dollar. It was used again in 1982 to test new materials when the Cent was changed from bronze to copper coated zinc. The obverse was designed by Edward P. Grove and the reverse was designed by Philip Fowler, engravers at the U.S. Mint in the 1960's.
Compiled 8/23/2023, post dated to 6 January 2023, the anniversary of Martha marrying George 6 Jan 1769
