1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-474

Coin Details

Description

With the Shield design finalized at J-473, the Mint began an extensive program of composition testing that would span dozens of Judd numbers. J-474 strikes the adopted Shield Nickel design in an alternative alloy, allowing the Mint to evaluate the design's appearance and striking characteristics in metals other than the standard copper-nickel blend. The Shield obverse and rays reverse are identical to J-473, but the different base metal changes the coin's color, weight, and striking properties. These compositional tests were not merely academic exercises — the Mint needed to understand how the design would perform across various alloys in case the adopted composition proved problematic in mass production, and to provide specimens for comparison to ensure the chosen alloy produced the most attractive and durable result.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-20 examples estimated.

Cross References

Pollock-3542