1865 Proof Cent Pattern - J-405

Coin Details

Auction Record

$7,200 PR64 07-15-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This proof cent pattern, cataloged as Judd-405, was struck in copper-nickel with a reeded edge, combining the same alloy as J-404 with the edge treatment seen on J-403a. The reeded edge is what principally distinguishes J-405 from the plain-edge J-404, as both share the copper-nickel composition and regular Indian Head cent dies. These unusual reeded-edge copper-nickel cents are known on both thick and thin planchets, mirroring the planchet variation found in J-404. The reeded edge gives the piece a distinctly higher-denomination feel, as edge reeding was conventionally associated with silver and gold coins. On a copper-nickel cent, the reeding served no practical purpose and was purely experimental. The combination of the obsolete copper-nickel alloy with an edge treatment never used on regular cents makes J-405 a doubly unusual pattern.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7. Scarcer than the plain-edge J-404. Auction prices in the range of $4,800-$6,000 for proof examples.

Cross References

Judd-405; related to Judd-404 (Pollock-473)