1883 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1711

Coin Details

Auction Record

$13,200 PR66 01-24-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

With J-1711, the 1883 pattern series transitions to the Roman numeral V reverse design that would become the adopted reverse type for the production Liberty Head nickel. The obverse features Barber's Liberty Head portrait with the standard thirteen stars surrounding the bust and the date 1883 below, closely matching the production die layout rather than the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA legend variant seen on earlier patterns in the series. The reverse displays the large Roman numeral V within a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the upper periphery and E PLURIBUS UNUM below — the infamous "No CENTS" reverse configuration that would spark the racketeer nickel controversy when released into circulation. The absence of any denomination statement beyond the Roman numeral V enabled the notorious fraud scheme in which unscrupulous individuals gold-plated the coins and passed them as five-dollar gold pieces, exploiting the similar size between the nickel and the half eagle. This pattern documents the design in its near-final form, struck in nickel with a plain edge, before the Mint recognized the denomination ambiguity and rushed to add "CENTS" to the reverse later in 1883.

Rarity Notes

R-6 (Rare). Approximately 15-20 examples estimated. The close relationship to the adopted production design makes this a popular pattern among Liberty nickel specialists.

Cross References

Judd J-1711, Pollock P-1915