1882 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1695

Coin Details

Auction Record

$12,075 PR65 07-25-2003 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

Twentieth variety in the 1882 Liberty Head Nickel pattern series, part of the final cluster of designs produced before the coin entered production. This pattern may feature one of the last design modifications before Barber's work was declared complete and dies were prepared for the production launch. The transition from pattern to production coinage involved translating Barber's hand-cut proof dies into the hub-and-die system required for mass production, a process that could introduce subtle differences between the pattern and the circulating coin. Late-series patterns like J-1695 served as the bridge between these two production modes, establishing the definitive design from which production hubs would be created. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, this near-final pattern preserves the design in its most refined pre-production state.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd J-1695, Pollock P-1897