Used to Strike Half Dollar Experimental Test Pieces for U.S. Judd #2131-2143
NGC Certified & Encapsulated — UNIQUE in Private Hands
Martha Washington dies were used by the U.S. Mint and contracted vendors for experimental testing.
Martha Washington dies have become the U.S. Mint’s all-purpose design for testing new compositions, surfaces and planchet sizes. These experimental strikings were conducted both inside the Mint and outside by companies contracted by the U.S. Mint. Companies within the United States included IDX Inc., PMX Industries, and Olin Brass Corporation, while Schuler AG in Germany struck coins overseas. [Schuler AG supplies Schuler coin presses to the United States Mint for striking our coinage.]
These PROOF Uncancelled Martha Washington Half Dollar-sized dies are featured on the cover of Mint Error News Magazine Issue #86.
There are only two other Martha Washington Half Dollar-Sized Uncancelled Dies known in private hands, and those struck mint state test pieces. The first one discovered was featured both in CoinWeek and on the cover of Mint Error News Magazine Issue #44 (Spring 2018).
Martha Washington dies have “fantasy designs” intended to avoid creating rarities with regular coinage motifs.
The design of these proof dies was used by the U.S. Mint for metallurgical testing beginning in 1965 until 2011 when the dies were redesigned.
The obverse features a bust of Martha Washington, with the inscription “VIRGINIA” above and the date “1759” (the year she married George Washington) below.
The reverse typically features an image of Mount Vernon. These Martha Washington proof dies and test pieces are featured in the U.S. Patterns website (uspatterns.com).
This unique set of PROOF Uncancelled Martha Washington Half Dollar-sized dies belong in a premier collection of U.S. patterns or unique numismatic treasures. These dies are part of the U.S. Mint’s history of experimenting and striking pattern coins prior to producing our nation’s coins for circulation.
The story of the Martha Washington dies and test strikes, as it unfolds, is one of the most interesting numismatic developments in decades.
I would love to have these.
These are awesome looking coins. Always cool stuff to find here
While I wouldn’t reasonably expect fully-uncancelled dies like these to make their way into the hands of the public, I do wish they had another way to cancel them that didn’t completely obliterate the surfaces.
No tips or insight but very interesting coin!
What an obscure and interesting item. Awesome nod to history.
I found this article about “test” dies very interesting as I did not know that was part of the process. These Martha Washington dies are not only visually appealing but part of the unique story about how US coins are minted.
That’s facinating. I always wondered exactly how they tested new patterns for all the coin designs being produced. So…a Mint employee runs into his Manager’s office and says “Hey boss, we’re ready for test strikes now!” Boss says: “Okay Jimmy, better break out the “Martha’s”! :D
Very interesting articles. Gained some knowledge.
I would love to own any pattern coins!!!
I wonder what this unicorn is worth?
Very nice coins
Great article wish they would put in production think it would be great for the mother of our great flag
Martha Washington dies have “fantasy designs” intended to avoid creating rarities with regular coinage motifs. Did not know the Mint did this but it does make sense.
A really beautiful die, and the simplicity of the design would strike amazing mirrored surfaces.
These are very interesting
Great story love the history
I wish half dollars would be used in circulation
These would be a fun addition to the collection. Conversation piece to whip out when company is over.
How do such items ever make it into private hands?
Who’s sticky fingers walked out with these dies from the Mint?
Very interesting article.
An interesting idea for a collector! Way cool!!
Who and how were these dies actually sold? Did the US mint advise its customers? Very interested in understanding how only a couple of people could own these?
Thanks for the article! This would be a great addition for any serious coin collector.
Never knew about these. amazing info
A certain illicit flair to having something like this out in the ‘wild’.
I would like a follow up article where they discuss how these dies ended up in private hands.
Very neat piece of history for someone to add to their collection.
These are quite interesting, thanks for the article! It’s neat to learn more about the history of minting and see rare and unique collections.
Fascinating! Would love to have something like this in my collection.
Beautiful work by the engraver.
Would like to have a set.
I am curious about what is done to the dies to cancel them as well as how private ownership of uncanceled dies comes about.
A very nice collectable. Good luck on the coin giveaway everybody!
Very cool!
I never knew this die existed. Amazing design and info into the history of Numismatics
Thank you for the information.
Very informative article.
Martha was certainly a handsome first lady.
Wow, how very cool! I have never seen anything like this before! I find so much interesting information on this site!
What a cool finish. The fantasy design , I need to learn more about this industry. Just started collecting. Having fun learning all about it!! Mike
How much are they worth?
I recently saw quarter dollar size Martha Washington fantasy dies as part of the tour of the Philadelphia Mint!
A unique rarity for sure. Would love to see it in person for sure. Great that CoinWeek gets to see these type of things and share with us.
Wow!
This is pretty cool, did not know about it.
Interesting article
I love the fact that a first lady would be on a coin. Thank you for sharing!
Very interesting article about the Martha Washington dies.
Amazing story. I am surprised the Mint produces “fantasy” coins as test pieces!
Would be an amazing item to see in person
Interesting article on Martha Washington dies – don’t see many die articles
Never thought about a die being in a collection – amazing something so rare and unique exists
This is really interesting – I never had herd of these.
First time hearing about this. Always learning something every day.
These dies and definitely unique but not they would be considered an error. But unique enough to be featured in the error newsletter.
cool
Very cool.
Un-cancelled? Nice. Don’t see many of those
These really cool. It’s amazing that they are still around.
These are awesome. I would love to have them!
Thank you for this wonderful history.