1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-203

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,875 • PR64 PCGS • Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-203 is an 1858 cent pattern pairing Obverse 6 (the Small or "Skinny" Flying Eagle by Paquet) with Reverse B (an oak wreath with arrows below, tied with ribbon, open at the top, and ONE CENT at the center). This combination pairs the experimental small eagle obverse with the oak wreath reverse, creating a design that entirely dispensed with the problematic high-relief elements of the regular Flying Eagle cent. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, the piece demonstrates the methodical approach taken at the Mint where each obverse die was tested against every available reverse. The Small Eagle/Oak Wreath combination, while technically successful, was rejected in favor of the Indian Head design that Longacre developed simultaneously.

Rarity Notes

R.5. Estimated 40-80 examples survive.

Cross References

Pollock-246