1859 Proof Cent Pattern - J-227

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,560 • PR63 PCGS • 11-2018 • Stack's Bowers

Description

Judd-227 is a proof pattern cent struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, featuring the standard 1859 Indian Head obverse combined with a reverse displaying a broad ornamental shield above the denomination ONE CENT, partially encircled by an oak wreath. This reverse design closely anticipates the oak wreath with shield motif that would be adopted for regular issue Indian Head cents beginning in 1860. The obverse shows Longacre's Liberty wearing a feathered headdress with LIBERTY on the headband. The shield on this pattern's reverse is broader and more ornamented than on the final adopted version, indicating Longacre refined the design further before finalizing it. J-227 is considerably scarcer than the related J-228, which uses the exact adopted 1860 reverse die. This pattern provides important evidence of the evolutionary steps between the experimental and final production designs.

Rarity Notes

R.6-. Approximately 20-30 examples exist.

Cross References

Pollock-271