1855 Proof Cent Pattern - J-171a
Strike Type
Coin Details
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $7,638
- Sold
- Grade
- PR63
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
Description
Cataloged as Judd-171a (Pollock-196) and rated R.8, this pattern presents the Flying Eagle design in an uncommon metallic composition. The obverse depicts an eagle in flight facing left, surrounded by thirteen stars with the date 1855 positioned below. The reverse centers the denomination ONE CENT within a laurel wreath, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscribed around the border. This variant was struck in German silver, a copper-nickel-zinc alloy that gives the piece a distinctive silvery-white appearance quite different from the copper and bronze specimens in this series. The choice of German silver reflects the Mint's broad exploration of base-metal alloys that could replace the increasingly impractical large copper cent. The plain edge is standard for these experimental issues. USPatterns counts about a dozen. Reference data: struck in german silver with a plain edge, rated R-7. Catalogued as Judd-171A, Pollock-196. Metallurgical testing recommended.
Rarity Notes
R-7 (USPatterns.com)
Cross References
Judd-171a; Pollock-196
External References
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