1865 Proof Two Cent Pattern - J-409

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,800 PR65CAM 02-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-409 is a proof two-cent pattern struck in nickel from the regular 1865 two-cent piece dies with a plain edge. The obverse employs the Fancy 5 date variety of the standard two-cent die. Nickel's extreme hardness posed significant challenges for the striking process, and surviving examples frequently show incomplete detail in the highest relief areas of the design because the metal resisted flowing into the deepest recesses of the dies. Despite these manufacturing limitations, the Mint produced these patterns as part of its systematic program of testing each denomination in various alloys. The nickel two-cent piece would never enter production, but these trials contributed to the body of knowledge that informed decisions about nickel's suitability for other denominations, particularly the five-cent piece that would debut in 1866.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Auction values in the $2,900-$4,380 range. The hardness of nickel often results in weakly struck design elements, which is characteristic rather than a deficiency.

Cross References

Judd-409; Pollock-479