1872 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1189

Coin Details

Description

The 1872 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1189 is a proof nickel struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Trade Dollar Era Patterns (1871-1873) series. The obverse features Liberty seated facing left, holding an olive branch extended to the viewer, with a sheaf of wheat behind and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bale of goods, with an olive branch and three arrows. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Struck in copper. Cataloged as PCGS #61460.

Rarity Notes

R-7. Extremely rare, estimated 4-12 examples known.

Cross References

Judd-1189, Pollock-1325