1856 Proof Cent Pattern - J-181, Copper

Coin Details

Auction Record

$32,200 PR65 08-11-2010 Heritage Auctions

Description

This is a proof specimen of Judd-181 (Snow-5b, High R.6) explicitly identified as a copper striking. Like its counterparts, this piece pairs the scarce Pointed U obverse die with the Snow-9 reverse die bearing the diagnostic scratch on the left wreath stem. All 1856 Flying Eagle cents are technically patterns since the small cent had not yet been authorized for regular production, but the copper composition of J-181 makes it considerably rarer than the ubiquitous copper-nickel J-180. The copper planchet gives this proof a rich, warm tonality that contrasts sharply with the silvery-gray appearance of copper-nickel specimens. Proof strikings in copper from this era typically exhibit sharp, fully defined details with reflective fields, though surviving examples may display varying degrees of original red color versus natural brown toning. The plain edge is standard for Flying Eagle cent patterns. With its High R.6 rarity, this copper proof represents one of the more challenging varieties for specialists pursuing a complete collection of 1856 Flying Eagle cent die combinations and compositions.