1859 Proof Cent Pattern - J-231a

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-231a, this 1859 cent pattern is struck in lead with a reeded edge, making it one of the more unusual compositions among the cent patterns of this era. The obverse features the Indian Head design as adopted for the 1859 cent, while the reverse carries the laurel wreath that was unique to the first year of the series. Lead strikings of pattern coins are generally understood as die trials or unofficial impressions, produced to test dies or satisfy collector curiosity rather than as serious proposals for circulating coinage. The soft metal captures exceptional detail from the dies but is far too malleable for practical use. The proof 1859 Indian Head cent is particularly desirable because it represents the only date in the series with the laurel wreath reverse, which was replaced by the oak wreath with shield beginning in 1860. Records of proof minor coin sales before 1878 were destroyed in 1925, making exact mintage figures impossible to reconstruct, though an estimated 800 proof sets was produced. This lead impression is far rarer than the standard copper-nickel proofs.