1871 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1052

Coin Details

Auction Record

$7,000 PR63 11-13-2007 Stack's

Description

Struck in aluminum, J-1052 renders the Shield with rays obverse and numeral 5 reverse in what was then among the most exotic metals available to the Mint. The near-weightlessness of an aluminum nickel would have been startling to anyone accustomed to the heft of copper-nickel, raising fundamental questions about public acceptance of ultralight coinage. This piece represents the most futuristic composition variant in the 1871 nickel pattern group.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-1052, Pollock-1187