1855 Cent Pattern - J-171

Coin Details

Description

Judd-171, Pollock-196, is one of the later varieties in the 1855 cent pattern series, representing continued refinement of the Flying Eagle design as the Mint worked toward a final production version. The obverse features the eagle in flight surrounded by thirteen stars with the date 1855, while the reverse carries ONE CENT within a wreath. The distinctions between J-171 and its close catalog neighbors involve subtle die differences — modified star placement, adjusted eagle feather detail, altered wreath elements, or different letter punch styles. These seemingly minor variations mattered enormously to the engravers responsible for creating dies that could withstand hundreds of thousands of strikes in production. A pattern that looked beautiful in proof quality might prove impractical when subjected to high-speed coining press operations, and the multiple varieties in the 1855 series document the iterative process of optimizing the design for both aesthetic appeal and manufacturing durability. The 1855 cent patterns collectively represent the most complete record of any single denomination's development in American coinage history. From the earliest hook-neck eagle designs through the refined versions that closely presage the adopted 1857 coin, the full evolutionary arc is preserved in metal. J-171 occupies a position near the end of this sequence, incorporating the accumulated lessons of two years of experimentation and reflecting a design that was rapidly approaching its final form.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 12-18 specimens survive.

Cross References

Judd-171; Pollock-196