1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-488

Coin Details

Auction Record

$36,800 PR64 03-08-2005 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

This proof pattern is another installment in what amounts to a master class in coinage metallurgy, preserved in the Judd catalog as numbers J-473 through J-533. The shield design served as an ideal test vehicle for alloy evaluation because its combination of broad flat fields (the shield bars), fine linear details (the stripes and rays), and raised legends (IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, and denomination) exercised the full range of challenges that any coinage alloy must handle. An alloy that produced crisp detail on the shield but muddy text on the legend, or vice versa, would be unsuitable for production. J-488's experimental composition is tested against these demanding requirements under the controlled conditions of proof striking.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-20 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3556