1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-213

Coin Details

Auction Record

$14,400 • PR64 Cameo PCGS CAC • Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-213 is an 1858 Indian Head cent pattern pairing Obverse 8 (the Indian Head design dated 1858) with Reverse A (the regular agricultural wreath used on circulation Flying Eagle cents, composed of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco). This "transitional" combination marries the incoming Indian Head obverse with the outgoing agricultural wreath reverse, creating a coin that was never intended for production but rather served as an experimental comparison piece. The narrow bust variety of J-213 is particularly rare, with only about 10 examples known. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, this pattern represents the theoretical midpoint of the design transition: the Indian Head obverse that would begin circulation in 1859 paired with the agricultural wreath that had served the Flying Eagle cent since 1857.

Rarity Notes

R.5 overall; R.7 for narrow bust die combinations. Approximately 20-40 examples survive.

Cross References

Pollock-251, 252, 264; Snow-PT30a