1865 Two Cent Pattern - J-409

Coin Details

Description

Judd-409 is a two-cent pattern struck in nickel from the regular 1865 two-cent production dies, produced to test how nickel alloy behaved on the two-cent coin format under striking conditions. Nickel was under active consideration by Congress during this period for both cent and five-cent coinage, and the Shield Nickel would be introduced in 1866, making these 1865 trials a direct precursor to that transition. The hardness of nickel relative to copper creates characteristic surface textures and requires greater striking pressure, observations that informed Mint die preparation and press calibration work for the forthcoming nickel five-cent series. Auction records for J-409 examples have ranged from approximately 2900 to 4380 dollars.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Auction records in the 2900 to 4380 dollar range documented. Small number of survivors known.

Cross References

Judd-409; Pollock-479