1865 Cent Pattern - J-404

Coin Details

Description

Judd-404, Pollock-473, is a die trial for the 1865 Indian Head cent struck in copper-nickel on a thick planchet with a plain edge. The obverse shows the Plain 5 date style, and die markers consistent with Snow PR-2 have been documented. The Mint produced trials on both 47-grain and 72-grain planchets, with heavier specimens struck from leftover copper-nickel stock after the 1864 alloy transition to bronze; the two planchet weights constitute recognized sub-varieties. The 1865 trials were primarily intended to evaluate die wear patterns and planchet behavior rather than to propose a new alloy for regular coinage.

Rarity Notes

Low R.7. Multiple die varieties and planchet thickness sub-variants exist; combined population across sub-types is small.

Cross References

Judd-404; Pollock-473