1871 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-1047

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,888 PR64 03-02-2006 Heritage Auctions

Description

Continuing the exploration of the Liberty Head and Roman numeral III design, J-1047 was struck in aluminum, making it one of the lightest coins in the Trade Dollar era pattern program. At barely over a grain in weight, this aluminum three-cent piece would have been virtually weightless compared to its copper and silver counterparts. The piece tested whether the public could accept coinage so physically insubstantial, a question that would not be fully answered until the aluminum cent experiments of 1974.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-1047, Pollock-1182