1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-219

Coin Details

Auction Record

$50,525 • PR62 NGC • 03-2017 • Kagin's (Steve Brewer Collection)

Description

Judd-219 is one of the most extraordinary coins in the entire 1858 pattern cent series: a unique double-obverse mule struck from two Flying Eagle obverse dies with no reverse. One side bears the Flying Eagle design in a plain field without any legend or date (Obverse 1), while the other side shows a Flying Eagle with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (be the Large Letters obverse without a date). With neither side bearing a denomination, date, or other standard reverse elements, tradition designates the plain-field eagle as the "obverse." The coin's pedigree traces back to 1870, and it was displayed as part of an exhibit at the American Numismatic Society in 1914. This extraordinary mule was part of the Steve Brewer Collection of Flying Eagle cent patterns, where it was described as "the coolest piece available." It is the only known example of a double-obverse 1858 Flying Eagle pattern.

Rarity Notes

Unique (R.8). Only 1 example is known to exist.

Cross References

Pollock-270