1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-217a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$66,000 PR65 01-14-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-217a is an 1858 Flying Eagle cent pattern pairing Obverse 5 (the regular Flying Eagle die with Small Letters) with Reverse A (the regular agricultural wreath used on circulation Flying Eagle cents). The "a" suffix distinguishes this die variety from the standard J-217, with differences in leaf cluster counts or other minor die characteristics. Because the combination of Small Letters Flying Eagle obverse with the agricultural wreath reverse is essentially the same as a regular 1858 Small Letters proof cent, this pattern occupies an ambiguous position between pattern and regular issue. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, it is classified as a pattern due to specific die characteristics that distinguish it from standard production proofs. The distinction between J-217a and a regular 1858 Small Letters proof requires careful die study.

Rarity Notes

R.6 to R.7. Scarce; difficult to distinguish from regular 1858 Small Letters proofs.

Cross References

Pollock-268