1855 Proof Cent Pattern - Pollock-193, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

$480 F Details 10-14-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Judd-167 (Pollock-193) and rated R.5, this is one of the more available varieties among the 1855 Flying Eagle cent patterns, though still rare by conventional standards. The obverse features the hooked-neck eagle in flight, a design adapted by James B. Longacre from Christian Gobrecht and Titian Peale's original eagle motif for the 1836-1839 Gobrecht dollars. Thirteen stars encircle the eagle and the date 1855 appears below with the characteristic slanting 5s. The reverse closely follows the layout of the contemporary Coronet large cent, with ONE CENT at center surrounded by a thick laurel wreath and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery. Struck in copper with a plain edge, this original issue was among the earliest strikings from these dies, produced before the later restrikes that were created to meet collector demand. The planchet diameter falls between the large cent and the forthcoming small cent, embodying the Mint's transitional thinking as it moved toward the smaller format that would debut with the famous 1856 Flying Eagle cent.