1856 Proof Cent Pattern - J-178

Coin Details

Auction Record

$51,700 PR64 03-09-2017 Kagin's

Description

Judd-178 is an 1856 Flying Eagle cent pattern struck in copper-nickel (88% copper, 12% nickel) with a plain edge, representing the penultimate stage of the Mint's small cent experiments before the design was adopted for regular coinage in 1857. The obverse features the Flying Eagle design adapted from Christian Gobrecht's 1836 Seated Liberty dollar, with an eagle soaring left, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above, and the date 1856 below. The reverse displays an agricultural wreath composed of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco — representing America's major agricultural products from both Northern and Southern states — enclosing the denomination "ONE CENT." This wreath design would be carried forward to the regular-issue 1857-1858 Flying Eagle cents. Unlike the earlier 1854-1855 "Large Flying Eagle" experiments, J-178 was struck on the smaller 19mm planchet that would become standard, making it essentially a trial run of the adopted format. In 1856, Mint Director James Ross Snowden authorized the striking of approximately 600 to 1,000 pattern cents for distribution to members of Congress, newspaper editors, and other influential citizens to build support for the new coin.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Fewer than 10 examples exist as a separate die variety from the more common J-180.

Cross References

Pollock-209