1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-220

Coin Details

Auction Record

$37,950 PR62 01-02-2006 Superior Galleries

Description

Judd-220 is an 1858 cent pattern mule pairing Obverse 6 (the Small or "Skinny" Flying Eagle by Paquet) with a reverse die from the Indian Head cent series, creating a cross-series die combination that was never intended for production. This mule coin combines elements from both the outgoing Flying Eagle and incoming Indian Head design programs, reflecting the fluid die-sharing environment at the Mint during this transitional period. Unlike the systematic 12-piece pattern sets, mule coins like J-220 were produced as afterthoughts, experiments, or Mint cabinet pieces, accounting for their extreme rarity. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, this coin is among the rarest of the 1858 cent patterns and is seldom encountered at auction. Its existence confirms that Mint workers had free access to dies from both the Flying Eagle and Indian Head series during the transition period.

Rarity Notes

R.7 to R.8. Extremely rare; only a few examples exist.

Cross References

Pollock-271