1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-192

Coin Details

Auction Record

$13,375 • PR65 Cameo PCGS • Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-192 is an 1858 Flying Eagle cent pattern pairing Obverse 5 (the regular Flying Eagle die with Small Letters) with Reverse B (an oak wreath with arrows below, tied with ribbon, open at the top, and ONE CENT at the center). Struck in copper-nickel (88% copper, 12% nickel) with a plain edge, this coin was produced as part of Mint Director James Ross Snowden's directive to Chief Engraver James B. Longacre to develop replacement designs for the troublesome Flying Eagle cent. The high points on both sides of the circulation Flying Eagle cent opposed each other, making it difficult to bring up the design fully in the tough copper-nickel alloy. The oak wreath reverse represented one of several experimental alternatives to the agricultural wreath used on circulation strikes. Specimens were included in 12-piece pattern sets assembled at the Mint and sold to collectors during 1858-1860.

Rarity Notes

R.5. Estimated 40-80 examples survive, mostly from 12-piece pattern sets.

Cross References

Pollock-235