1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-488

Coin Details

Auction Record

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

Description

The 1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-488 is a proof nickel struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Reconstruction Era Patterns (1866-1869) series. The obverse features experimental designs exploring post-war coinage concepts and the reverse displays various experimental designs including nickel and aluminum compositions. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $36,800 PR64 03-08-2005 American Numismatic Rarities. Struck in bronze. Cataloged as PCGS #60684.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-20 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3556