1855 Proof Cent Pattern - J-171

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Judd-171 is an 1855 Flying Eagle cent pattern struck in a nickel alloy (approximately 60% copper, 40% nickel) or German silver (75% copper, 12% nickel, 13% zinc), with a plain edge. The obverse features an eagle flying left, adapted from the flying eagle on Christian Gobrecht's dollars of 1836-1839, with thirteen stars arranged around the periphery and the date 1855 below. The reverse displays a laurel wreath enclosing the denomination "ONE CENT" with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border. This is one of the "Large Flying Eagle" patterns struck on a planchet larger than the eventual 1857-1858 small cent, representing a transitional size between the large and small cent formats. Attribution of this variety has been complicated by compositional analysis: testing by Rick Kay has shown that most, if not all, pieces described as J-170 and J-171 are really J-170a or J-171a (USPatterns). The 1855 Flying Eagle patterns continued the experiments begun in 1854, with Mint records indicating three metal compositions were tested including bronze, 90% copper/10% nickel, and 80% copper/20% nickel. Reference data: struck in copper-nickel nickel 40%, copper 60% with a plain edge, rated R-7. Catalogued as Judd-171, Pollock-196, A/W 198, Taxay EP196. Metallurgical testing recommended.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-171; Pollock-196; Adams-Woodin 198; Taxay EP196