1881 Proof Cent Pattern - J-1667

Coin Details

Auction Record

PR65 Cameo PCGS CAC offered by APMEX.

Description

Aluminum cent pattern from 1881, the most exotic composition in the four-piece cent pattern series. The obverse and reverse dies are identical to the copper and nickel versions (J-1664 through J-1666), featuring the Liberty Head obverse and Roman numeral I reverse within the agricultural wreath. The aluminum planchet produces an exceptionally lightweight coin with a distinctive silvery-gray appearance and sharp, frosty details in the devices. Aluminum was still a relatively precious metal in 1881 — commercial electrolytic production would not begin until 1886 with the Hall-Heroult process — making this pattern a luxury experiment. The Mint's willingness to strike patterns in aluminum demonstrates the breadth of compositional testing that accompanied Snowden's design initiative. This piece anticipates by over eight decades the controversial 1974 aluminum cent patterns that Congress would famously order destroyed. The extreme rarity of this aluminum striking makes it one of the most challenging pieces in the 1881 pattern series to locate.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). unique or limited to 2-3 known specimens. PCGS population of 1 coin in all grades.

Cross References

Judd J-1667, Pollock P-1867