1855 Proof Cent Pattern - J-168, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Judd-168, Pollock-193, rated R.4. This pattern marks a significant refinement in the flying eagle design that would culminate in the adopted 1857 cent. The obverse features thirteen stars surrounding an eagle in graceful upward flight — closely following the Christian Gobrecht and Titian Peale design first realized on the 1836-1839 Gobrecht dollars and soon to appear on the regular-issue Flying Eagle cent. J-167 (copper) and J-168 (bronze) are struck from the same dies (USPatterns). The reverse draws from the established large cent design with ONE CENT inside a wreath and the national legend around the border. Critically, the diameter falls between that of the large cents still being struck for commerce in 1855 and the small cents that would begin production in 1856, representing an intermediate step in the size reduction process. Struck in bronze with a plain edge. Reference data: struck in bronze with a plain edge, rated R-5. Catalogued as Judd-168, Pollock-193, A/W 200, Taxay EP193. restrikes exist.

Rarity Notes

R-5 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-168; Pollock-193; Adams-Woodin 200; Taxay EP193