1882 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1679

Coin Details

Auction Record

$28,800 PR66 09-17-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Fifth variety in the 1882 Liberty Head Nickel pattern series, documenting another stage in the design competition between variations of Barber's Liberty Head concept. The obverse continues the leftward-facing portrait of Liberty with coronet, while the reverse presents the V denomination in a wreath setting that may differ from preceding patterns in the style or composition of the vegetal elements. Barber experimented with different wreath materials — corn, cotton, wheat, and various combinations thereof — to achieve the ideal balance of visual weight and symbolic meaning on the reverse. The agricultural wreath motif had been a mainstay of American coinage since the 1830s, and Barber's challenge was to make it feel fresh within that established tradition. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, this pattern represents one of the design options that was evaluated and either adopted in modified form or rejected in favor of an alternative approach.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7 (Very Rare to Extremely Rare). Estimated 8-12 specimens known.

Cross References

Judd J-1679, Pollock P-1881