1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-504

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,930 PR66 05-20-1996 Bowers & Merena

Description

J-504 continues the systematic progression through experimental alloys for the five-cent denomination. While many of these later compositions were never seriously considered for adoption, they served an important validation purpose — by demonstrating that the adopted 75/25 copper-nickel alloy outperformed all alternatives, the testing program provided Congressional sponsors of the nickel five-cent legislation with confidence that the specification they had enacted was indeed optimal. In an era when Congressional oversight of Mint operations was frequent and sometimes contentious, this kind of thorough documentation of the decision-making process was both prudent and politically necessary.

Rarity Notes

R.6 to R.7. Approximately 10-15 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3572