1859 Cent Pattern - J-227

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,520 MS65+ 05-07-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Judd-227, Pollock-271, and rated Low R.6, this 1859 pattern cent represents an experimental design that closely anticipated the Indian Head cent adopted for regular production in 1860. The obverse carries an Indian Head portrait similar to the issued design, while the reverse features a distinctive broad ornamental shield atop an oak wreath encircling ONE CENT. This ornamental shield reverse sets J-227 apart from the plainer wreath designs that would ultimately be chosen for production. Struck in copper-nickel with a reeded edge, J-227 is substantially rarer than its close relative J-228, which uses the same obverse paired with the reverse that was actually adopted for 1860-1909 production. The reeded edge on J-227 is also notable, as the issued Indian Head cent would use a plain edge. This combination of the ornamental shield reverse and reeded edge indicates the Mint was still actively considering significant design alternatives even as the Indian Head obverse was being finalized. Collectors prize J-227 for its scarcity and for the intriguing "what was" quality of its distinctive reverse.