1870 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-808

Coin Details

Description

Concluding the nickel pattern quartet, J-808 was struck in aluminum from the same Shield obverse with rays and numeral 5 within stars reverse dies used throughout the group. An aluminum five-cent piece would have weighed a fraction of its copper-nickel counterpart, raising fundamental questions about whether the public would accept such a featherweight coin for daily transactions. The aluminum striking serves as a forward-looking metallurgical experiment, anticipating debates about lightweight coinage alloys that would not become commercially relevant until the twentieth century.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8. Very rare, approximately 3-8 examples known.

Cross References

Judd-808, Pollock-901