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1870 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-798

Strike Type
1870 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-798

Coin Details

Year
1870
Denomination
Patterns
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Proof
Series
Standard Silver Patterns (1870)
Composition
Copper

Auction Record

$6,325 PR65 01-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

The copper-nickel companion to J-797, this three-cent pattern reproduces the same Liberty Head obverse and Roman numeral III in wreath reverse in the alloy used for the production three-cent nickel. Copper-nickel strikings of silver-denomination patterns served a dual purpose in 1870: they demonstrated how designs might translate across different alloy families, and they explored whether existing copper-nickel coinage designs could be improved through new die combinations. The piece documents Barber's systematic approach to matching designs with compositions.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7. Approximately 10-20 examples estimated.

Cross References

Judd-798, Pollock-890

External References

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