1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-217

Coin Details

Auction Record

$18,400 PR58 01-03-2012 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Judd-217, this pattern cent returns to the Small Letters Flying Eagle obverse (Obverse 5) but pairs it with the agricultural wreath reverse used on regular-issue Flying Eagle cents. The obverse displays the standard Flying Eagle design with small letters and the date 1858, while the reverse carries the familiar wreath of agricultural products surrounding ONE CENT. Struck in copper with a plain edge, J-217 is noteworthy for combining two elements already in production use rather than pairing a regular die with an experimental one. This combination served as a control specimen within the 12-piece pattern sets, allowing collectors and Mint officials to compare the experimental reverses against the established design. The copper composition distinguishes it from the copper-nickel strikes used for circulation, providing a different visual character to the finished piece.