1856 Proof Cent Pattern - J-179a

Coin Details

Description

This is the copper-nickel companion to the undated J-179, sharing the same distinctive design that omits the date and most legends. Cataloged as Judd-179a, it features the bare Flying Eagle obverse paired with the Agricultural Wreath reverse bearing only ONE CENT, struck on a copper-nickel planchet with a plain edge. The copper-nickel composition gives this variant the characteristic pale silvery-gray appearance that would become standard for the issued 1857-1858 Flying Eagle cents, in contrast to the warmer tones of the copper J-179. This alloy choice is particularly notable given that the reverse die used here — the Agricultural Wreath — is the same type that would accompany the copper-nickel composition on the coins actually released into circulation. The undated format of both J-179 and J-179a indicates these was produced as design studies or presentation pieces rather than as formal proposals, making them intriguing artifacts of the Mint's creative process during this transformative period.