1882 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1697

Coin Details

Auction Record

$38,188 PR66 08-05-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The final and most distinctive variety in the 1882 Liberty Head Nickel pattern series, known to collectors as the "Blind Man's Nickel." The obverse and reverse designs are identical to the adopted 1883 Liberty Nickel, but the edge features five raised ridges spaced equally around the circumference — a feature found on no other American coin. These tactile ridges were proposed so that blind individuals could identify the five-cent coin by touch alone, distinguishing it from other denominations without sight. The concept anticipated by a century the modern practice of incorporating tactile features into currency for accessibility. Despite its ingenious purpose, the raised-ridge edge was not adopted for the production coin, which retained the standard plain edge. J-1697 is among the most popular and recognizable patterns in the entire Design Reform era, commanding strong collector interest for both its unusual physical feature and its connection to the broader story of inclusive coinage design. Struck in copper-nickel with the distinctive raised-ridge edge.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7 (Very Rare to Extremely Rare). The Blind Man's Nickel is one of the most recognized patterns of the era and commands premiums above typical 1882 nickel pattern prices.

Cross References

Judd J-1697, Pollock P-1899