1865 Proof Cent Pattern - J-404

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,520 PR65 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-404, Pollock-473, is a proof cent pattern struck in copper-nickel alloy from the regular 1865 Indian Head cent dies with a plain edge. This composition represents a deliberate callback to the alloy used for Indian Head cents from 1859 through 1864, before the wartime switch to bronze. The Mint apparently wished to preserve examples of the current design in the former alloy. Both thick and thin planchet varieties are known, with thick planchet pieces struck on leftover blanks from the pre-1864 copper-nickel cent production. At least three different obverse die varieties have been documented, indicating that these patterns were struck on multiple occasions rather than in a single batch. The copper-nickel composition gives the piece a noticeably lighter color than bronze cents and a slightly different heft in hand.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 (Low). Multiple die varieties and planchet thicknesses exist. Auction prices range from approximately $1,375-$4,000 in proof grades.

Cross References

Judd-404; Pollock-473