1882 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1685

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,620 PR63 08-14-1996 Heritage Auctions

Description

Eleventh variety in the 1882 nickel pattern series, part of the intensive design development that preceded the Liberty Nickel's 1883 debut. The obverse Liberty Head portrait by this point in the sequence was approaching its final form, with the basic composition of leftward-facing Liberty, coronet with LIBERTY, and surrounding stars having been established through the preceding ten varieties. The reverse V-in-wreath design similarly shows progressive refinement, with this variety potentially testing specific modifications to the wreath's botanical elements or to the arrangement of the surrounding text. Barber's approach to design development was notably conservative and iterative, preferring small incremental changes over dramatic revisions, and this methodical process produced an exceptionally well-resolved final design. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, this pattern represents the design's continued evolution toward the version that would eventually win official approval.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd J-1685, Pollock P-1887