1856 Proof Cent Pattern - J-179

Coin Details

Auction Record

$39,600 PR66+BN 01-16-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

This undated Flying Eagle cent pattern, Judd-179 (Pollock-207, Low R.7), represents a fascinating experimental issue that omits the date entirely while retaining the core design elements. The obverse carries the standard Flying Eagle motif — the same eagle design that Christian Gobrecht originally created for his silver dollars of 1836-1839, adapted here for the cent denomination. However, unlike the dated J-180 and its variants, this piece bears no date, stars, or other legends on the obverse. The reverse is equally distinctive, employing the Agricultural Wreath that would appear on the regular-issue 1857-1858 Flying Eagle cents rather than the Coronet-style wreath used on most 1855-1856 patterns. The only inscription on the entire coin is ONE CENT at the center of the reverse. Struck in copper with a plain edge, this pattern could be described as a "Gobrecht cent" in tribute to its obverse designer. More than a dozen specimens of this copper variety are reported, while the copper-nickel J-179a is somewhat rarer. Both versions remain highly sought after for their unusual dateless format.