1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-207a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$12,600 PR64 06-19-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Judd-207a, this pattern cent shares the Small Flying Eagle obverse of J-207 but differs in composition. The obverse features the distinctive small, slender eagle in flight that Mint Director Snowden described as "a small eagle, volant," with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and the date 1858 below. The reverse displays the agricultural wreath from the regular Flying Eagle cent issue. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, J-207a represents a composition variant of J-207 (which was struck in copper). The Mint frequently produced patterns in multiple metals to evaluate how different alloys would interact with the dies and affect the finished appearance. The copper-nickel composition was ultimately chosen for the Indian Head cent that debuted in 1859, making these off-metal strikes useful in understanding the Mint's decision-making process during this critical design transition.