1865 Proof Cent Pattern - J-403

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-403 and Pollock-472, this proof cent pattern was struck in pure copper from the regular 1865 Indian Head cent dies. The use of unalloyed copper rather than the standard bronze alloy makes this piece metallurgically distinct from regular production cents of the year. The Philadelphia Mint produced a small number of pure copper off-metal patterns during the 1860s, for inclusion in special copper proof sets assembled for favored collectors. The obverse features the Indian Head motif by James B. Longacre, and the reverse shows the laurel wreath encircling the denomination, both executed with the sharp detail characteristic of proof strikings. Some numismatists theorize that these copper impressions were made to document how the existing dies performed in the softer metal, providing useful data during a period when the Mint was actively experimenting with alloy formulations for minor coinage.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 (R-7). Only 4-6 specimens believed known. Auction records show prices in the $14,000-$18,600 range for certified proof examples.

Cross References

Judd-403; Pollock-472