1855 Proof Cent Pattern - J-170

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Cataloged as Judd-170 (Pollock-196) and rated R.6, this 1855 cent pattern represents one of the Mint's experiments with alternative alloys for a redesigned one-cent piece. The obverse carries a variation of the adopted Flying Eagle motif, with the eagle rendered in the characteristic hooked-neck style derived from Christian Gobrecht and Titian Peale's original design for the Gobrecht silver dollars. Thirteen stars ring the periphery and the date 1855 appears below, with the distinctive slanted 5s of this issue. The reverse borrows its layout from the contemporary large cent, placing ONE CENT at center within a wreath and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border. What sets this piece apart is its larger-than-small-cent format and its composition: a nickel alloy listed as 80% copper and 20% nickel, one of several metallic formulations the Mint was testing ahead of the eventual copper-nickel small cent introduction in 1856-1857. The edge is plain. Testing by Rick Kay found that most, if not all, pieces described as J-170 are really the 90:10 alloy of J-170a (USPatterns). Reference data: struck in copper-nickel nickel 20%, copper 80% with a plain edge, rated R-7. Catalogued as Judd-170, Pollock-196, A/W 199, Taxay EP195. Metallurgical testing recommended.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-170; Pollock-196; Adams-Woodin 199; Taxay EP195