1870 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-803
Strike Type
Coin Details
Auction Record
$6,613 PR64 11-03-2010 Bowers & Merena
Description
Featuring a Liberty Head obverse similar to J-797 but paired with a plain Roman numeral III reverse without any wreath surround, this silver three-cent pattern presents the most minimalist reverse design in the series. Barber's decision to strip away the decorative wreath placed full visual emphasis on the denomination indicator alone, creating a strikingly modern aesthetic for 1870. The unadorned reverse would have been the easiest to produce in mass quantities, an important practical consideration that pattern designers weighed alongside artistic merit.
Rarity Notes
R-7. Extremely rare, estimated 4-12 examples known.
Cross References
Judd-803, Pollock-895
External References
Error Varieties
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