1881 Proof Cent Pattern - J-1666

Coin Details

Auction Record

PR66 Red Cameo NGC realized $14,950 at Heritage Auctions, August 2007 ANA sale.

Description

Copper cent pattern from 1881 sharing the same die designs as J-1664 and J-1665 but distinguished by its specific die state or striking characteristics. The obverse features Charles Barber's Liberty Head facing left with LIBERTY on the coronet, thirteen stars, and the date. The reverse displays the Roman numeral I denomination within the agricultural wreath. Struck in copper with a plain edge, J-1666 represents a die pairing or composition variant within the 1881 cent pattern series that merits its own Judd catalog number. Surviving examples display the full spectrum of copper toning from brilliant red through red-brown to deep chocolate brown. The Liberty Head design on this cent pattern is notably similar to the portrait that would eventually appear on the Liberty Head Nickel of 1883, scaled down to the smaller cent planchet. These cent patterns served as proving grounds for the Liberty Head concept across multiple denominations, demonstrating that Barber's portrait design could work at various scales.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7 (Very Rare to Extremely Rare). Heritage records this as R.6-7, with approximately 10-15 specimens traced.

Cross References

Judd J-1666, Pollock P-1866