1882 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1693

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,625 PR65 01-01-2003 Bowers & Merena

Description

Eighteenth variety in the 1882 nickel pattern series, part of the final phase of design development before the Liberty Head Nickel entered production in January 1883. This pattern represents a near-final design variant, incorporating the legend arrangement that satisfied Treasury Secretary Folger's legal requirements while maintaining the aesthetic qualities that Barber and Snowden had developed through the preceding seventeen varieties. The obverse may show the final star and legend configuration, while the reverse V-in-wreath design approaches its production form. The compressed timeline between Folger's late-1882 rejection and the Liberty Nickel's early-1883 production launch required Barber to work rapidly through the remaining design revisions. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, this pattern documents the accelerated final development phase that transformed a rejected design into one of America's most enduring coin types.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd J-1693, Pollock P-1895