1883 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1711a

Coin Details

Description

A compositional variant of J-1711, this proof pattern presents the Roman numeral V "No CENTS" reverse design in a different metallic formulation from the standard nickel version. The obverse and reverse dies are identical to J-1711 — the Liberty Head with thirteen stars and the Roman V within a wreath — but the planchet composition differs, as indicated by the suffix designation. This off-metal striking of what would become the production reverse design provides a fascinating study in how metal composition affects the visual character of a coin design. The contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields that defines a proof coin's cameo appearance varies significantly across different metals, and these composition variants allowed the Mint to evaluate the aesthetic impact of alternative alloys on the final design. The J-1711a variant is particularly noteworthy because it applies compositional experimentation to the reverse design that was closest to the adopted production type, indicating that even at this late stage in the design process, the question of which alloy to use remained under active consideration.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Very Rare to Extremely Rare). Suffix variants with the adopted reverse design are significantly rarer than the parent number, with approximately 4-8 examples known.

Cross References

Judd J-1711a, Pollock P-1916