1883 Nickel Patterns

About This Coin

The 1883 Nickel Patterns is a United States nickel from the Design Reform Patterns (1880-1942) series. The obverse features experimental designs exploring artistic improvements to U.S. coinage, while the reverse displays various experimental designs. Designed by Charles E. Barber, George T. Morgan, and others. Design Reform Patterns (1880-1942) span the period when American coinage underwent its greatest artistic transformation. These trials include the precursors to the Barber, Mercury, Buffalo, Walking Liberty, and Saint-Gaudens designs, documenting decades of experimentation. These patterns include the "Amazonian" designs, Morgan's schoolgirl dollar proposals, and other designs that were either adopted in modified form or rejected entirely.