1882 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1675

Coin Details

Description

The first in the landmark 1882 series of Liberty Head Nickel patterns, marking the beginning of the most intensive five-cent design competition in American Mint history. The obverse features Charles Barber's Liberty Head facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars with the date 1882 below. The reverse displays a large Roman numeral V within a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border. This early 1882 pattern builds directly on the 1881 prototypes (J-1671 through J-1674a) but introduces refinements to the portrait and legend arrangement. Barber was working to satisfy Superintendent Snowden's requirements while also addressing practical concerns about legibility and wear that had plagued the outgoing Shield Nickel. Struck in copper, this first variety establishes the baseline from which the remaining twenty-two 1882 nickel patterns would diverge through progressive design modifications.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7 (Very Rare to Extremely Rare). Estimated 8-15 specimens known.

Cross References

Judd J-1675, Pollock P-1877