1871 Proof Two Cent Pattern - J-1044

Coin Details

Auction Record

$14,950 PR64 08-15-2004 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

An aluminum striking from the same shield obverse and wreath reverse dies as J-1043, this two-cent pattern represents one of the rarest composition experiments in the Trade Dollar era series. Aluminum remained an exotic precious metal in 1871, years before the Hall-Heroult electrolytic process would make it commercially viable, lending these strikings an almost futuristic quality. The extraordinary lightness of the aluminum planchet made the familiar shield design feel entirely foreign in hand.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd-1044, Pollock-1179