1855 Proof Cent Pattern - J-167, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

$16,100 PR65 06-14-2011 Stack's Bowers

Description

Judd-167, Pollock-193, rated R.5. This large cent-sized pattern from 1855 continues the flying eagle experimentation that began with the 1854 patterns, moving one year closer to the design's adoption for regular coinage in 1857. The obverse features the hook-neck eagle in flight surrounded by thirteen stars, with the date 1855 distinguished by its slanting 5s — a subtle but useful diagnostic for attributing this issue. The reverse places ONE CENT at the center of a thick laurel wreath strongly reminiscent of the wreath used on the contemporary Coronet (Braided Hair) large cent, creating a visual bridge between the old and proposed new designs. Struck in copper with a plain edge. As an original striking, this piece dates to the actual year of experimentation. The R.5 rating makes this one of the more obtainable flying eagle cent patterns, with an estimated 30 to 75 examples surviving across both original and restrike issues.