1867 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-573a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$19,000 PR63 01-07-2008 Stack's

Description

A variant of J-573 distinguished by a difference in metallic composition or planchet preparation, designated with the "a" suffix in the Judd catalog. Compositional variants within the Shield nickel pattern series are particularly significant because the 75% copper, 25% nickel alloy was itself relatively new to American coinage. Testing alternative alloy ratios or planchet thicknesses was part of the ongoing effort to optimize the denomination for mass production. The suffix varieties often represent the same die pairing struck on a different planchet type, providing direct comparisons of how the design performed across different metals.

Rarity Notes

R.7 to R.8. Very rare, estimated 4-7 examples extant.

Cross References

Pollock-3609a