1882 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1690

Coin Details

Auction Record

$31,625 PR67 03-11-2004 Bowers & Merena

Description

One of the most historically significant patterns in the entire 1882 series, J-1690 is virtually identical to the adopted 1883 Liberty Head Nickel "Without Cents" design. The obverse features Liberty Head facing left surrounded by thirteen stars with the date below and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border. The reverse displays the large Roman numeral V within a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat with E PLURIBUS UNUM below — but without the word CENTS that would be added to the production coin's later revision. The star positions differ slightly from the adopted coin, providing the primary diagnostic for distinguishing this pattern from the regular 1883 issue. This is the design that was endorsed by Mint authorities and of which twenty-five specimens were sent to Treasury Secretary Charles J. Folger for approval in late 1882. Folger rejected it because UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appeared on the obverse rather than the reverse as he believed the law required, and Barber was forced to redesign the coin to accommodate this objection. J-1690 thus represents the would-be Liberty Nickel — the design that was nearly adopted but for a last-minute legal challenge.

Rarity Notes

R-5 to R-6 (Rare to Very Rare). Among the more available 1882 nickel patterns due to the twenty-five specimens sent to Washington, with an estimated 15-25 specimens surviving.

Cross References

Judd J-1690, Pollock P-1892