1857 Proof Cent Pattern - J-187a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$48,875 PR64 07-31-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

This variant, cataloged as Judd-187a, shares the same die pairing as J-187 but was struck on a planchet of alternate composition rather than standard copper. Like J-187, it belongs to the final year of large cent production in the United States, a historically significant moment as the denomination that had circulated since 1793 gave way to the new small cent format. The proof strikings of 1857 large cents are the most plentiful of any date in the series, with approximately 75 specimens known across all varieties. The two primary die marriages — N-3 and N-5 — are both proof-only, meaning they were never employed for circulation production. The alternate alloy of J-187a adds another layer of interest for collectors, as it represents the Mint's continued practice of striking pattern variations in different metals to test compositions and preserve examples for the numismatic cabinet. Struck with a plain edge, this variant remains a scarce and desirable piece for specialists in both large cents and United States patterns.