1865 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-411

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,000 PR65+BN 11-22-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-411, Pollock-482, is a copper die trial of the 1865 Nickel Three Cent Piece, struck from regular production dies with a plain edge. The design on both sides closely follows the adopted three-cent nickel configuration, with Liberty's laureate head on the obverse and the large Roman numeral III within a wreath on the reverse. The copper composition gives the piece a warm brown tone that evolves beautifully over time, and certified examples exist in brown, red-brown, and full red surface preservation. The copper die trial served to verify the quality and sharpness of the newly prepared three-cent nickel dies, as the denomination was brand new in 1865 and the Mint wanted to confirm that every detail of Longacre's design would reproduce faithfully before committing production-grade copper-nickel planchets.

Rarity Notes

High Rarity-6 to Rarity-7. Available in BN, RB, and RD color designations. A PR65 example sold for $3,163 at auction in January 2005. Current values $2,500-$5,000 depending on color.

Cross References

Judd-411; Pollock-482