1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-195

Coin Details

Auction Record

$249 PR55BN 11-18-2021 eBay

Description

Cataloged as Judd-195, this 1858 pattern cent pairs the regular Small Letters Flying Eagle obverse with the oak wreath and ornamental shield reverse (Reverse C). The obverse displays the standard Flying Eagle design with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in small letters above and the date 1858 below. The reverse features an oak wreath with arrows beneath, tied with ribbon, and topped by an ornamental shield at the apex, with ONE CENT at the center. Contemporary critics noted the shield bore an unfortunate resemblance to a harp. This copper specimen with a plain edge was part of the experimental series produced as the Mint explored replacement designs for the Flying Eagle cent. The 1858 pattern cents were offered in 12-piece sets to collectors, combining three different obverse dies with four distinct reverse designs. Pieces from these sets typically survive in the R.4 to R.5 range, though individual die combinations vary in rarity. The Small Letters Flying Eagle obverse (Obverse 5) was used across Judd numbers 191 through 195 and again on J-217, paired with each of the four experimental reverse types under consideration.