1883 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1714

Coin Details

Auction Record

PR67 (NGC) offered by Stack's Bowers Galleries.

Description

This proof pattern features a notably different obverse treatment from the other entries in the 1883 series. On J-1714, the word LIBERTY is absent from the coronet worn by the Liberty Head portrait and instead appears spread across the upper obverse rim, with the stars reduced in size and rearranged in a six-left, seven-right configuration rather than the standard arrangement. This alternative placement of the LIBERTY inscription represents a significant departure from the adopted design, where LIBERTY appears on the coronet band in the traditional fashion established by earlier American coin types. The repositioned legend and modified star arrangement would have given the coin a distinctly different visual character, redistributing the obverse design elements to create a more balanced composition at the expense of the concentrated focal point provided by the coronet inscription. Struck in nickel with a plain edge, this variety pairs the modified obverse with a reverse design related to the Roman numeral V type. Stack's Bowers has offered PR67 specimens graded by NGC, demonstrating that the modified obverse dies produced exceptionally sharp detail even in this alternative layout configuration.

Rarity Notes

R-6 (Rare). Approximately 15-20 examples estimated. The distinctive obverse design makes this variety easily identifiable and popular with pattern collectors.

Cross References

Judd J-1714, Pollock P-1919