1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-461, Washington

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,995 PR64 10-03-2016 Heritage Auctions

Description

The only 1866 five-cent pattern to feature a presidential portrait, this remarkable proof displays a right-facing bust of George Washington on the obverse with IN GOD WE TRUST above and the date below. The reverse bears the denomination within a decorative border. Among the dozens of competing designs submitted for the new five-cent nickel, the Washington Head was one of the most politically charged proposals — placing a president on circulating coinage was a concept Congress and the Mint had largely avoided since the 1790s to prevent accusations of monarchical tendencies. The design was ultimately rejected in favor of James B. Longacre's more impersonal Shield motif. Struck in the copper-nickel alloy being considered for the new denomination, J-461 stands as a fascinating what-if in American numismatic history, representing a road not taken in the design of one of America's most enduring coin types.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-20 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3529