1/2 Dollar Pattern

Pattern coinage for Liberia was produced almost exclusively by foreign mints — this 1889 piece almost certainly originates from Heaton's Mint in Birmingham, which held the primary contract for Liberian coinage during the late nineteenth century. The Republic had no domestic minting capability and relied entirely on outside contractors to produce both its circulation and experimental issues.

No bronze half dollar entered circulation; the denomination was ultimately struck in silver for regular issues. Whether this pattern was submitted as a metal trial or a proposed denomination change is unresolved in the literature.