1865 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-410

Coin Details

Auction Record

$12,650 PR67 05-01-2003 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-410, Pollock-481, is a nickel three-cent pattern that closely resembles the design ultimately adopted for the regular issue Nickel Three Cent Piece of 1865-1889. Struck in the same copper-nickel alloy as the production coins, J-410 is distinguishable from regular proofs by subtle design differences, most notably in the rendering of Liberty's portrait on the obverse and the Roman numeral III on the reverse. The obverse features a left-facing Liberty head wearing a coronet, very similar to but not identical with the finalized design by James B. Longacre. Because this pattern so closely anticipates the adopted coinage, it has historically been confused with regular proof 1865 three-cent nickels, and careful comparison is required to distinguish the two. The three-cent nickel denomination was authorized by the Act of March 3, 1865, specifically to help retire the fractional currency notes that had proliferated during the war.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-6 to R-7. Known to be confused with regular proofs, which may affect accurate population counts. Auction prices for certified examples have reached $4,000-$6,000.

Cross References

Judd-410; Pollock-481